The Pillars of the Earth

Interweaving the lives of two families with a celibate monk and their arch-enemies, this tale brings to life adventure, conquest and power-lust in the twelfth century. Against the backdrop of cathedral building, all human emotions are exposed in the ruthless villains and (mostly) virtuous heroes. A classic tale of good and evil that captivates from the start - I couldn't put the book down. Update: Ihave recently read the follow-up book, World Without End, which uses the same setting some hundred years later. A similar story, with many twists and turns - equally readable, and recommended.