With this book, Follett risks all and comes out a clear winner, escaping the narrow genre of suspense thrillers to take credit for a historical novel of gripping readability, authentic atmosphere and detail and memorable characterization. Set in 12th-century England, the narrative concerns the building of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge. The ambitions of three men merge, conflict and collide through four decades during which social and political upheaval and the internal politics of the church affect the progress of the cathedral and the fortunes of the protagonists. The insightful portrayals of an idealistic master builder, a pious, dogmatic but compassionate prior and an unscrupulous, ruthless bishop are balanced by those of a trio of independent, resourceful women (one of them quite loathesome) who can stand on their own as memorable characters in any genre. Beginning with a mystery that casts its shadow on ensuing events, the narrative is a seesaw of tension in which circumstances change with shocking but true-to-life unpredictability. Follett's impeccable pacing builds suspense in a balanced narrative that offers action, intrigue, violence and passion as well as the step-by-step description of an edifice rising in slow stages, its progress tied to the vicissitudes of fortune and the permutations of evolving architectural style. Follett's depiction of the precarious balance of power between monarchy and religion in the Middle Ages, and of the effects of social upheavals and the forces of nature (storms, famines) on political events; his ability to convey the fine points of architecture so that the cathedral becomes clearly visualized in the reader's mind; and above all, his portrayals of the enduring human emotions of ambition, greed, bravery, dedication, revenge and love, result in a highly engrossing narrative. Manipulating a complex plot in which the characters interact against a broad canvas of medieval life, Follett has written a novel that entertains, instructs and satisfies on a grand scale.
“I’m not here to tell the story. I’m here to find the story…” Cristina Henríquez’s new novel, The Great Divide is a deeply meaningful, character-driven narrative that brings momentous history to new life. Henríquez joins us to talk about writing historical fiction, her family’s connection to the story, her influences and more with Miwa Messer, […]
Here’s your all-access pass into the ultimate historical fiction guide: revisionist history, speculative history, and good old-fashioned historical fiction can all be found here, spanning Biblical Ages through to the early new Millennium. Our list of the best historical fiction books includes bestsellers, bookseller favorites, and award winning titles.
Ken Follett is no stranger to thrilling historical fiction. The Pillars of the Earth is a modern masterpiece, an epic tale of love and hate, loyalty, and betrayal. In his latest novel, Follett sets up a chilling “what if” premise. This heart-pounding international drama is urgent and powerful and will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here, Ken Follett outlines his inspiration for […]
People have a natural desire to reduce everyone and everything to a simple descriptor as a way of making sense of the world around them. For writers, this means you can be very easily (and permanently) pegged as a Thriller Writer, a Sci-Fi Writer—or any of a dozen other genre categories. And generally, once a writer has […]
Thanksgiving, like all holidays, means different things to different people. An immense amount of food and drink? Probably. Awkward conversations with people you don’t see often? Almost certainly. Vast stretches of empty time spent in places with sketchy or nonexistent WiFi, like airports, grandma’s house, and possibly your entire hometown? Sadly, the Magic 8 Ball […]