Discover books similar to "The Pillars of the Earth"

Ken Follett

The Pillars of the Earth

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"The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett is a historical novel that takes place in twelfth-century England, a time of political turmoil, social change, and religious strife. The story centers around the construction of a cathedral in the fictional town of Kingsbridge and the people whose lives become intertwined with its creation. The novel's central character is Tom Builder, a master mason who dreams of building a cathedral that will be a masterpiece of architecture and a symbol of hope and faith. Along the way, he encounters a host of unforgettable characters, including Prior Philip, a devout and ambitious monk; Aliena, a noblewoman who loses everything but her courage and determination; and Jack, a young outlaw with a mysterious past. Follett's meticulously researched novel brings the medieval world to life in vivid detail, from the bustling markets and noisy streets of London to the quiet, contemplative world of the monastery. The author's deep understanding of the period and its complex power struggles, as well as his ability to create characters that are both believable and sympathetic, make "The Pillars of the Earth" a compelling and engrossing read. At its heart, "The Pillars of the Earth" is a story about the human spirit and the power of perseverance and determination. It explores themes of love, loyalty, and betrayal, as well as the relationship between religion and politics, and the role of art and architecture in society. Follett's novel has become a modern classic, beloved by readers around the world for its rich storytelling, historical detail, and unforgettable characters. Whether you're a fan of historical fiction or simply looking for a gripping and thought-provoking novel, "The Pillars of the Earth" is a must-read...

List of books similar to "The Pillars of the Earth":

Umberto Eco

The Name of the Rose

A gripping historical thriller set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, where a series of mysterious deaths occur during a theological debate. A brilliant and atmospheric novel that, like 'The Pillars of the Earth', combines historical detail with a suspenseful plot.

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Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist

A philosophical and spiritual novel about a young Andalusian shepherd who embarks on a journey to the pyramids of Egypt in search of a treasure. While not a historical novel like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it shares its epic scope and exploration of human ambition and desire.

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Diana Gabaldon

Outlander

A time-travel romance that follows a former World War II nurse who accidentally travels back in time to 18th-century Scotland. Like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it combines historical detail with a sweeping and engrossing narrative.

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Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Mists of Avalon

A re-telling of the Arthurian legend from the perspective of the women in the court, including Morgan le Fay. A rich and imaginative novel that, like 'The Pillars of the Earth', explores the complex relationships between religion, power, and gender in a historical setting.

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Elizabeth Gilbert

The Signature of All Things

A sprawling and ambitious novel that follows the life of Alma Whittaker, a 19th-century botanical explorer and scientist. Like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it combines meticulous historical research with a rich and immersive narrative.

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Barbara Kingsolver

The Poisonwood Bible

A powerful and moving novel that follows the lives of an evangelical Baptist family in the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s. Like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it explores the complex relationships between religion, politics, and personal ambition in a historical setting.

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Eleanor Catton

The Luminaries

A sprawling and intricate novel that follows a group of 19th-century gold miners in New Zealand as they become embroiled in a complex web of intrigue and deception. Like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it combines historical detail with a rich and immersive narrative.

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David Mitchell

The Bone Clocks

A genre-bending novel that follows the life of Holly Sykes, a young woman who becomes embroiled in a centuries-long battle between immortal beings. Like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it combines historical detail with a rich and imaginative narrative.

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Michel Faber

The Crimson Petal and the White

A sprawling and ambitious novel that follows the life of Sugar, a prostitute in Victorian London, as she rises through the ranks of society. Like 'The Pillars of the Earth', it combines historical detail with a rich and immersive narrative.

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