A review of Drood, by Dan Simmons
By Gary R Harris.
Going into reading Drood I had no expectations of any kind. I knew nothing about the book. I didn't even read the back or anything else. I skipped the soup and salad and went for the meat. The first 10 or so pages had me so off balance I could barely understand the words I was reading.
Wilkie completely takes over before your eyes and his voice and beliefs become your own.
The book made me love an insane attention seeking drug addict in a way that didn't feel stretched. I love everything about this book except for the page count. I don't think this story needed over 700 pages and that although every sentence is perfect, some of the time while I was reading, I was wishing something would happen.
This book is worth the investment in time. Even if it is just to marvel at the power of Dan Simmon's incredible talent.
****the photo above is Gary's son. He asked me of the front cover one time "Is this a good guy Nana?" I say to him... "you have to read the book Elliott."
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11 comments:
I'm glad you explained the picture because I was wondering how someone that young could read this book! I agree that this book is well worth the time invested in it.
I agree Kathy, the book is well worth reading. I have to say there were a few dry spots, but they were still worthy. I was reading the book faster than I had originally wanted and therefore I think this impacted my thoughts on it. On the other hand reading it steady at 100+ pages a day I did get to experience a lot of WOW all at once. This book for me is another book I will have in my library for years to come as part of my classic contemporary favorites. I think it ranks up there with Atlas Shrugged, Gone with the Wind, and East of Eden.
I am now truly inspired to read Charles Dickens. Gary has been on me forever to read Great Expectations and A Tale of Two Cities.
I guess I just can't quit talking about Drood. Ha ha.. I was also thinking that some of the stuff in the book was just really repulsive and ugh and I just usually can't read that kind of stuff... but it made sense for this book. Does that make sense?
I am also curious if anyone out there has read The Crimson Petal and the White by Faber. I think there is a similar narrative voice in the book. Even though I recall the voice fading away in Crimson. Anyway.. it has the same kind of sneery sound as Wilkie's "Dear Reader" tone. I recommend that book to anyone that enjoyed this book. But would add an adult content, warning on that one for language and nudity.
If one is looking for a clean book that has a lot of the grimy elements I would recommend Forever Amber even though the era predates Drood significantly. (Yikes.. this is from memory and very much pre coffee jibber jabber).
I am reading this one now and it's taking me forever because I love it so much. I want to savory every page.
Great review, Gary!!
And adorable picture (I hit post comment before I was ready!). I think I recognize that shirt :)
As usual, Gary writes an awesome review. Yes, 700 pages is daunting-lol. I hope to read this one of these days. I love the pic of Elliott-too cute. He's going to be a reader.
Hi Hi.. thanks for checking in on my guest post. :)
Ti.. I am so glad you are lovin' it.
Jenn... yep.. that is the shirt... thank you..
Dar.. thank you! I think Elliott will be a reader.
Thx for the cloths jenn. You've helped my son stay 'fitted' for months now. Thank you!
-Gary
great guest review...thanks!
Another great review by Mr. Harris. Another book added to the TBR list.
You convinced me, I am going to order this right away!
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