Pillars of the Earth

When I was around 14, I had started reading pocket books about an inch or more thick.  Stumbling on some really wonderful authors, I had begun my love affair with novels.  There was this one book, though, which I could never bring myself to read, although I had picked it up quite a lot.  I suspected it was a historical drama, but I was not afraid of those, I have already had several historical dramas under my belt, it was the cover that put me off.  It was of a gargoyle, face contorted, arms bracing the ledge that did not quite sit well with me.  I held it in my hand several more times in the passing years but never managed to read it, until the termites claimed it for their own.  I never thought about that book again, not even when I saw a poster advertising the mini-series last year.  It was only till I was huddled on the couch, wading through it in German and gripping the throw pillow in suspense (because the plot really is exemplary) when suddenly, with the figurative light bulb lighting in my head, I remembered the one book that I refused to read because of its ugly cover.  Saeulen der Erde.

And because... (fill in usual excuses)...blah blah here goes my sucky review.

I could not help but notice that the holy monk, the priory prior present father, is none other than Mr. Darcy.  In a way it did ruin his character for me, I could not tell if he was doing a bad job or if I just could not get his role as the powerfully awkward stuttering Mr Darcy out of my head.  Elizabeth divorced him and ran with all his money.  So he became...a monk?  Seriously?

Bishop Walerian reminded me a lot like father Damaso.  I am no Rizal fan, I think he was a mediocre author and his Damaso lacked depth and darkness.  Bishop Walerian would have made a wonderful villain in his book, but I doubt if Rizal would have been able to  conjure one such as he.

I would like to add that Tom Builder's kids are nothing like him.  They are both selfish and rotten for some reason.  They make the lives of the lead characters very difficult.  Even the little sister.

I should really read the book now.  This review is boring me.