Compelling story that needed a good editor. On multiple occasions, Follett feels the need to stop everything to allow the characters to ruminate about past events--at length. These reminiscences are repetitive--we don't need to be reminded over and over about the a rape that occurred early on--but bog down the action. Although there is a valid thematic reason for ending with the murder of Thomas Becket, the last few sections have the feel of just being tacked on so that the villains could get their "comeuppance." Overall, I would recommend but be prepared to fast forward through sections.