Discover books similar to "Pillars of the Earth"
Ken Follett
Pillars of the Earth
4.32
"The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett is a historical novel that takes place in twelfth-century England, a time of political turmoil and social upheaval. 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. Follett masterfully weaves together the stories of several characters, including the monk Philip, who dreams of becoming an abbot and building the grandest cathedral in England; the noblewoman Aliena, who must fight to protect her family's land and legacy; and the ambitious and ruthless Prior Philip, who will stop at nothing to see his own ambitions realized. The novel explores themes of ambition, power, and the human cost of political and religious strife. Follett's meticulously researched depiction of medieval life, from the daily struggles of the peasantry to the machinations of the nobility, is brought to life in vivid detail. The construction of the cathedral serves as a powerful metaphor for the building of a community and the triumph of the human spirit in the face of adversity. "The Pillars of the Earth" is a sweeping epic that transports the reader to another time and place, immersing them in the sights, sounds, and smells of medieval England. Follett's prose is evocative and engaging, and his characters are complex and fully realized. This novel is a must-read for fans of historical fiction and anyone looking for a rich and rewarding literary experience. In summary, "The Pillars of the Earth" is a captivating and engrossing historical novel that explores themes of ambition, power, and community through the eyes of a diverse and memorable cast of characters. Follett's meticulous research and vivid prose bring the world of twelfth-century England to life, making this a must-read for fans of the genre...
List of books similar to "Pillars of the Earth":
Umberto Eco
The Name of the Rose
A gripping historical thriller set in a 14th-century Italian monastery, where the protagonist, Brother William of Baskerville, must solve a series of mysterious deaths. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book combines historical detail with a suspenseful plot and complex characters.
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Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist
A philosophical novel about a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who travels to Egypt in search of a treasure. While 'Pillars of the Earth' is a historical epic, 'The Alchemist' offers a more introspective and spiritual journey, but both books explore themes of perseverance, faith, and the human spirit.
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Marion Zimmer Bradley
The Mists of Avalon
A re-telling of the Arthurian legends from the perspective of the women in the court, including Morgan le Fay and Viviane. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book is a sweeping epic that explores the complex relationships between religion, power, and gender.
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Stephen King
The Stand
A post-apocalyptic novel about a group of survivors of a deadly virus who must rebuild society. While 'Pillars of the Earth' is set in the medieval period, 'The Stand' also explores themes of community, survival, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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Barbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
A novel about a Baptist minister and his family who move to the Belgian Congo in the late 1950s. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book explores the impact of historical events on a community, and the ways in which individuals respond to upheaval and change.
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Eleanor Catton
The Luminaries
A mystery novel set during the New Zealand gold rush of the 1860s, where a cast of 12 characters are connected by a series of events. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book combines historical detail with a complex plot and a large cast of characters.
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Elizabeth Gilbert
The Signature of All Things
A historical novel about a 19th-century female botanist named Alma Whittaker, who embarks on a journey of scientific discovery and personal growth. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book combines historical detail with a richly drawn protagonist and a sweeping narrative.
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Michel Faber
The Crimson Petal and the White
A historical novel set in Victorian London, where a prostitute named Sugar rises to power in a world of wealth and privilege. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book explores the complex relationships between religion, power, and gender in a historical context.
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John Steinbeck
The Winter of Our Discontent
A novel about a small-town shopkeeper named Ethan Hawley who becomes embroiled in a plan to defraud his community. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book explores themes of morality, power, and the human condition in a historical setting.
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John Steinbeck
The Grapes of Wrath
A novel about a family of sharecroppers who are forced to migrate to California during the Great Depression. Like 'Pillars of the Earth', this book explores themes of community, survival, and the human spirit in the face of adversity.
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