|
|
 - Be prepared to read slowlyThis is not a quick, easy read. This one takes a lot of concentration, yet it was very interesting. History buffs will love it. Rating:  - Continuing in the same vein as "White City"Larson seems to have devised a genre or writing style of his own making with this book and his earlier bestseller "Devil in the White City." The two works are similar in that they both tell the intersecting stories of a creator and a destroyer. In "White City," it was the architect Daniel Burnham and the serial killer H.H. Holmes whose stories were told in alternating chapters; in "Thunderstruck," it's the stories of Guglielmo Marconi, inventor of wireless telegraphy, and suspected killer H.H. Crippen which are alternated until they intersect. The similarity of style between the two books is so uncanny that it could not be chance; Larson has intentionally created a "genre" of sorts for himself. This one is perhaps even better than "White City." Marconi is infinitely more interesting than Burnham, and his creation is more interesting than the latter's architecture. Crippen is more of a sympathetic character than H.H. Holmes, although the latter is perhaps more fascinating because of his much higher body count. It's almost a wash between the two books, and I daresay fans of the earlier book will be pleased with this one, too. Personally, I've really been enjoying these "turn-of-the-century true crime books" (as I classify them), whether by Larson or others. One more thing: persevere. The first 100 expository pages may drag, but soon you learn to care for the principals and the book then begins to really move. Stick with it. Rating:  - Very engagingIf you are interested in the history of radio, or British/Italian/American history circa 1900, this is really worth your perusal. The main characters, Marconi and Crippen, have absolutely nothing in common but fate. Follow their seemingly unconnected lives to the climax of this book and you will be privy to an intriguing example of how odd twists and turns can affect all of us. Nice piece of writing! Rating: - Good read--if not quite as complelling as Devil in the White CityNot quite as good as Devil in the White City, but a satisfying read anyway. Learned more than I ever thought I would about Marconi and the wireless--fascinating period in history. The book includes excellent notes, ideas for further reading. Rating: - A little slow to start but then rolls quicklyI am a huge Erik Larsen fan. I found the beginning of this book a little slow to start then it really picked up. I thoroughly enjoyed the build up of the murder and the capture. Amazing story with great history!
|
