Hi Ric.ror
I enjoyed the series at first and on the strength of that bought the book, kinda wish I hadn't bothered to be honest.
The TV has fleshed it out somewhat beyond all recognition and IMHO if you are finding that boring then the book is a non starter.
If you want a dry history lesson on village/hamlet life then fine read the book however, if you are looking for gripping story lines encompassing Laura, Alf, Ruby, Pearl et al then the TV is the best you're going to get I'm afraid.
Hope this helps.