Still, 'Pillars' is a triumph of epic storytelling. Occasionally, it's a bit 'stagey' and the CGI is good, but not state of the art. The incest theme between William and his mother is not explicitly shown, but very clear. There's a scene when the monks put Ellen on trial as a witch that made my jaw drop. He also is far from shy about sex, barbarism and vulgarity. Follett is a master of grand, operatic gestures. What worried me most going in was the series was what the tone would be. I didn't know what to expect, but I can declare myself fully satisfied. I have now watched the first six episodes (available on Netflix for instant viewing) and am dying to see the final two when they come available. Tom the builderfirst master builder of the Kingsbridge Cathedral. I could no longer follow the adventures of these heroic and scheming English men and women in the the tumultuous 12th Century, a time of uncertainty over who should be on the throne. Follett gave full rein to his incredibly vivid and compelling storytelling abilities. Then, in 1989 he unveiled 'Pillars of the Earth' and I was stunned.
Better than Stephen King, but no Cormac McCarthy.
I have read everything Ken Follett has written, but I pretty much had him pegged as a writer of extraordinarily readable suspense potboilers.
