Pillars of the Earth

Am I the last person on earth to have read Pillars of the Earth? I remember picking it up several years ago, but the first scene of someone being hanged to death turned me off. The Showtime series this past summer revived Pillars' popularity, so I gave it another whirl. This time, however, I could not put the book down.

The book revolves around the decades-long effort to build a cathedral in England in the 12th century. This was an unsettling time, as King Henry had died and there was not a cut-and-dry successor. Many lives were lost in the ensuing battles and civil war. Lawlessness ruled. Earls, and even bishops, would betray or kill for more power or land. In fact, even as far as half-way through the 900+ page book I began to wonder if that cathedral would ever get built. Fortunately, there are some truly good characters as well that you root for with all your might. It's definitely a page turner.

I really liked Pillars of the Earth and learned a lot about history, especially the kings (and queen) during that time: Henry I, Steven, Maud and Henry 2. I must admit, that the violent acts of Earl William "Evil" Hamleigh toward his people, especially the women, just about did me in.  Disgusting. If anyone thinks that terrorism is something that has cropped up in the last century, then think again.

One enduring lesson: God prevails! Although men are evil and sin abounds, God ultimately turns bad into good.

Comments

[Transforming Julie]

Frannie, reading your review makes me want to try it again. I was enjoying it but got to a point of not being able to endure all the raping. I can endure quite a bit for some reason I couldn't get past it. Good to hear you made it through.