Ken Follett is a big author that writes BIG books. 'Pillars of the Earth' has been voted one of The Times 60 greatest books of all time managing to come second, only beaten by To Kill a Mockingbird, and stormed the bestseller lists and awards ceremonies across the world, not bad for a novel about building a Cathedral.
Ken's fiction career didn't start with architecture though, his first novels way back in late 70's were pure thrillers, a genre he has returned to again and again through his long and celebrated career. 'Whiteout', 'Lie Down with Lions' and 'The Fall of Giants' are some of his most well known works, and he's had many of his books converted into film and TV series. With enough awards under his belt to last a lifetime, Ken's success is contagious- his 2008 sequel 'a World Without End' even made it into board game format, and the GAME won more awards than most authors will see in a lifetime.
What is the first book you remember reading?
Noddy Goes to Toytown, by Enid Blyton. I think this was the book that motivated me to learn to read.
What effect does being an author have on you as a reader?
Not much. Occasionally I think: “I wish I could do that!” More rarely, I think: “I could have written that scene better.” But it doesn’t get in the way of my pleasure.
Are there any books you can read again and again?
Absolutely. All of Jane Austen, the best of P.G. Wodehouse, “The Day of the Jackal”, the first six James Bond novels.
Are there any genres that you wouldn’t choose to read?
I can’t bear elves. I’ve never finished a Tolkien.
What is the current book on your nightstand/coffee table?
“Triumphs of Experience” by George E. Vaillant. This is nonfiction, based on a lifelong study of a group of Harvard undergraduates that began in 1939. It tells what they were like when young and how their lives turned out. It was recommended by a friend, like so many of the best reads.
Ken's most recent book 'Edge of Eternity' is available now.
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