How would life have been in the 12th century. A few hundred years
before the beginning of the renaissance period. A period devoid of mobile
phones and automobiles. A period that was marked by simplicity and yet looks
rich as we look back at the remains from that bygone era.
Pillars
of the earth, is beyond doubt, a literary masterpiece by Ken Follett.It takes the reader to a little known place in old England, called
as Kingsbridge. A marvellous story about a few people who dream of building a
world class cathedral at this place. A cathedral that would be the tallest in
England and whose aura would be discussed far and wide across Europe.
It would be a grave understatement to call it a novel on the
building of a cathedral. Around this central theme is a gripping story of
monks, builders, earls and kings. A story so realistic, you would never forget
the characters for years to come. Ken Follett places the reader as a close observer of the lives of
the people in the story. You are guaranteed to live in an ancient era, feel the
environment, and reflect the emotions of the characters as though everything is
happening in reality. Be ready to wander through forests, travel wide across
the English kingdom, move over to France and Spain, and immerse yourself a
little into their culture back then.
I close the last page of the book, having gone through treachery,
violence, love and a belief in god, all described magnificently. One thought
lingers - the era was truly turbulent. Are we better off living in this era, or
will the simplicity of the middle ages still be preferred?
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