Ken Follett and the Struggle of Storytelling: A Critical Analysis

Ken Follett is a master of historical fiction, with books like Pillars of the Earth and World Without End earning him a place on many readers' bookshelves. However, as much as fans adore Pillars of the Earth and its TV adaptation, travels down the literary path for World Without End prove more disappointing. This article explores why these works may have failed to capture the essence of the characters and story.

The Charm of Pillars of the Earth - The TV Series

When Pillars of the Earth was first adapted for the screen, the reaction was overwhelmingly positive. The TV series, based on Follett's novel, is a visually stunning work with characters that flesh out the medieval world in a way that immerses the viewer. However, the journey towards the book is rather different, and what once seemed like an exciting prospect becomes a daunting read.

The Disappointing Untold Story

Upon reading the book, one of the immediate detractors is the depth and detail of the characters. Unlike the TV adaptation, which can skip over certain minor flaws and focus on the central narrative, the prose novel often digs deeper, revealing characters that are thin, dull, and selfish. Furthermore, these characters are not adequately developed or relatable, which can make the reading experience rather frustrating. For instance, the protagonist's characters often engage in nonsensical behaviors driven by the plot rather than any internal logic.

A Small Step Backwards - World Without End

While World Without End continues the series, it does not improve upon the issues that Pillars of the Earth faced. The book retains the same characters and the same awkward, petty nature that makes the TV adaptation more tolerable. The sexual politics and character relationships are even more bizarre, making the narrative feel disjointed and confusing. The main love interests and their actions drive the plot, but their motivations and behaviors feel forced rather than organic.

Adbblocking the Architecture

While the concept of architecture and medieval life in Pillars of the Earth and World Without End is impressive, the way it is used in the books feels strange and almost phallic in nature. This draws attention away from the narrative and can detract from the overall story. The repeated sexual undertones without organic connection can make the book less engaging and more irritating.

What Fans Can Do

For those who want to enjoy the benefits of the Pillars of the Earth series but avoid the disappointment of the books, the TV adaptations are a must-watch. They offer a visually stunning and emotionally engaging experience that the books cannot match. While the books are certainly well-researched, the lack of character development and plot nuances make it a difficult read for many.

Conclusion

Ken Follett's books, while rich with historical detail and architectural beauty, often fall short in character development and plot cohesion. The disappointment is clear when the TV adaptations offer a much smoother and more enjoyable experience. It's a stark reminder that not all stories translate well from page to screen, and that readers should approach these works with a critical eye.

While the TV series offers a more enjoyable narrative, the books provide a deeper dive into medieval culture and history. The question for fans is whether the pain of reading the book is worth the payoff. For many, the answer is a resounding 'no'. However, as a historical and architectural study, the books remain engaging, if not entirely satisfying as a complete narrative.