Anyone familiar with Pillars of the Earth knows that Notre Dame holds a special place in the author's heart. When he hears about the fire ravaging the historic cathedral, the author penned this essay where he explains the historical and cultural significance of the iconic Parisian landmark. Proceeds from the book will go to reconstruction efforts.

Ken Follett’s love letter to France’s iconic gothic cathedral is only disappointing in its brevity. Those
of us who lamented the cathedral’s 2019 fire will do well to take the long view Follett provides by illustrating its history through five incarnations having survived fire, revolution, world wars and epic egos. To me, the most poignant scene is that of the American priest who, on August 26, 1944, celebrated mass in the cathedral’s small chapel the day after Paris’ liberation. Soldiers quietly came and knelt saying prayers for their lost brothers in arms and for their own preservation. There are other equally dramatic scenes such as the desecration during the French Revolution and Gen. de Gaulle’s determination to make ND the center piece of his victory parade. It only confirms that Notre Dame will rise again and be witness to another 1,000 years.

In retrospect, given the fire that destroyed much of Notre Dame Cathedral in April 2019, this little book was long overdue. Many did not stop to consider the importance, and seeming permanence, of the structure until facing its possible loss. Follett's book reinforces Notre Dame's cultural, spiritual, historical and literary importance, while providing entertaining reading. IThis is a short but substantive book. It's heartening, too, that proceeds from the sale will benefit the rebuilding of this iconic structure. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital review copy; this is my honest opinion.

Notre-Dame, Ken Follett's examination of the fire and how cathedrals were built, is a brief history of the cathedral. While Follett refers repeatedly to his book, Pillars of the Earth, the book offers an interesting viewpoint on the role of cathedrals in today's world.

This is Ken Follett's loving tribute to the Cathedral of Notre-Dame in Paris. Whether you read his Pillars of the Earth book or not (I liked it!), this short book is worth reading. I learned things that I didn't know.

Ken Follett is just as enjoyable in non-fcition as he is in fiction. Looking forward to having this on my shelves.

A short essay on the symbolism and meaning of Notre Dame in Paris. It draws connections to the past while mourning the current loss of the cathedral. It is not a fully realized work in history, but the author himself doesn't claim it to be. A sentimental reflection on a grand cathedral.

From the author who created probably the most famous fictional cathedral in literature comes a short homage to Notre-Dame. Follett relays a basic history of the Paris’s famed structure and his relationship to it. He tells of his research for the Kingsbridge novels and the many special occasions he has spent at Notre-Dame. Pick this short piece up if you enjoy history and especially The Pillars of the Earth series.

*I went through a historical fiction phase and read both of Follett’s big series. Pillars and The Century. Loved both of them. This short piece is a bit of a pulling back of the curtain to his writing process. I liked that and some of the other tidbits I learned about.*

Follett is donating all the proceeds from the sale of this piece to The Heritage Foundation of France. Pick this one up, learn some history, and give to a good cause.

4 out of 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books, and the author for an advanced copy for review.

This was a wonderful short essay on the history of Gothic cathedrals and of Notre-Dame itself. The author, having done extensive research on Gothic cathedrals for his notable works, uses his knowledge to reflect upon the cause of the fire that consumed the Notre-Dame cathedral earlier in April of 2019.

Notre-Dame: A Short History of the Meaning of Cathedrals is a short essay thoughtfully composed by Ken Follett in the immediate aftermath of the Notre Dame fire in April 2019. Follett will donate his proceeds from this book to a charity raising funds to rebuild Notre Dame. It contains Follett's reaction to the fire, a brief history of Notre Dame, and commentary on why cathedrals (and this one in particular) mean to society. At 80 pages it's a short read. Fans of the Pillars of the Earth trilogy will enjoy hearing Follett's thoughts.

first thank you to NET GALLEY for a copy of this book.

The love that Ken Follett has for Notre-Dame is quite evident in this small book with a very big heart. After the recent fire, he was moved to put forth his knowledge of the the history of the cathedral for all to share. An interesting and worthwhile read.

Using his incredible researching talents, Ken Follett gives a brief show of important events in the history of Notre-Dame Cathedral. He reveals the influence Notre Dame had on his writing of the beloved novel, "Pillars of the Earth", but also Victor Hugo's classic "The Hunchback of Notre-Dame". This may be a short history but it certainly motivated me to learn more. I think it's wonderful that Ken Follett is donating all his proceeds from this book to charity.

A brief essay written by the amazing Ken Follett, truly a love story to Paris and Notre Dame, written shortly after the fire that nearly destroyed the historic cathedral. If you enjoy history come to life and cathedrals, you will want to read this. Thanks to Netgalley, the publisher and Mr. Follett for an ARC. Opinions are my own.

This essay was written by Follett in reaction to the recent fire at the Norte Dame cathedral, and its proceeds (as well as Follett’s royalties) are being donated to a charity for the rebuilding. This essay is personal and contemplative, more about what cathedrals mean to society rather than a straight history of either the cathedral or the fire. It’s clear how important Norte Dame has been to the author personally, and he does a lovely job of using vignettes to show the place the cathedral has held for people throughout its history.