The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett.  It is a really great read.  Several of the main characters have a string of bad luck early on but it is a very immersing book!  It is based around the building of (fictional) Kingsbridge Cathedral in 12th century England.  You think you got it rough?  Walk a mile in the shoes (when they had them) of the main characters.  Sheesh!  Talk about tough characters!

Kraken Fan #69