Dear Ken Follett,

I just started reading The Pillars of the Earth and [am] enjoying it. At this time, my favorite character is Ellen. You have painted her a lettered and linguistically talented individual. (Her life parallels that of Philip and Francis. All three were raised in religious orders.) True, Ellen is educated and has the ability to teach. But where did she get the collection of books stacked in the cave? I can guess why she is called a witch. I hope she doesn't get burned on the stake.

— Dorla L.

Dear Dorla,

Now I have to make a confession: The author does not know everything! If I ever thought about where Ellen got her books, I have now forgotten. But more likely I never asked the question. Perhaps I should have: It might have made an interesting story…

— Ken Follett