THE BOOK CORNER

The Pillars of the Earth

by Ken Follett

As an amateur historian I found this to be one of the top historical novels I've ever read. The main line of the story stays true and historically accurate as to time and place while the side adventures of the characters lend life and express the horrors and joys of the people. England, as all of Europe at this time was a tough place to survive for the peasants, other non-wealthy, or connected. Life was short and often painful. The magnificent of Tom's cathedral was not only the glory of God, but exemplified the incredible imagination and commitment of the men who built them all over Europe. Tom, with all his faults with all his faults, was of them.

Readers need to be aware that history and the behaviors of its people cannot be judged by our current standards, only by those of the time and place of the people portrayed.

Review by W. Derrick