Six Degrees of Separation ~ The Pillars of the Earth

 The Pillars of the Earth
Follett, Ken "The Pillars of the Earth" (Kingsbridge #1) - 1989

#6Degrees of Separation:
from The Pillars of the Earth to The Island

#6Degrees is a monthly link-up hosted by Kate at Books Are My Favourite and Best. I love the idea. Thank you, Kate. See more about this challenge, its history, further books and how I found this here.

This month's prompt starts with the book we finished with last month, so in my case The Pillars of the Earth (Kingsbridge #1) - 1989 by Ken Follett

I was very pleased with this because I had another book in mind right away. They build a cathedral in "The Pillars of the Earth" and if you haven't read it, yet, I recommend you read the whole Kingsbridge series.

Falcones, Ildefonso "Cathedral of the Sea" (E: La catedral del mar) - 2008

The cathedral in Ken Follett's story was built in the 12^th century in England, Ildefonso Falcones describes one built in Barcelona in the 14^th th century but they both have in common that they build a cathedral and that they show the lives of the builders and the rich people in those times. There is also a follow-up novel to this one but, unfortunately, hasn't been translated into English, yet,  I hope. Because it is just as great.

Ruiz Zafón, Carlos "The Shadow of the Wind" (E: La sombra del viento - El cementerio de los libros olvidados #1) - 2001

When I think Barcelona, I can't help but think about another favourite author of mine, Carlos Ruiz Zafón who wrote not about a cathedral but about books, a library and the time of the Spanish Civil War. He had this book follwed by three more books that can all be read in any order but give you a great story altogether.

Sendker, Jan-Philipp "Whispering Shadows" (The Rising Dragon #1) (GE: Das Flüstern der Schatten) - 2007

I love reading about different countries and different times, especially if there are great sequels, as well, and the word "shadow" led me to another book by a German author who has written quite a few books about China after having worked there as an Asia correspondent. Both his fiction and non-fiction books are very informative.

Orth, Stephan "Couchsurfing in China: Encounters and Escapades Beyond the Great Wall" aka "High Tech and Hot Pot: Revealing Encounters Inside the Real China" (GE: Couchsurfing in China. Durch die Wohnzimmer der neuen Supermacht) - 2019

Just as informative as the couchsurfing books by another German journalist who has travelled to quite a few countries that most of us will never be able to visit. But with his stories, it's almost as if we'd gone there ourselves.

Bryson, Bill "Notes from a Small Island" - 1995

Travel books always make me think about another favourite author: Bill Bryson. He has written so many great books about all sorts of countries, about language, about science etc. But this one is about his second home country where I also lived for a while and it still is my favourite book by him.

Hislop, Victoria "The Island" - 2005

I will finish with another book about an island, one of my favourites by another favourite author. Victoria Hislop is a wonderful writer who has written such vivid and great books about Greece that they awarded her honorary citizenship. Well done, Victoria, and congratulations.

This was a fun challenge because we started with a book close to our hearts. I'm really looking forward to seeing what others came up with.

Look for further monthly separation posts here.