Drood

A Novel

By: Dan Simmons

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

On June 9, 1865, while traveling by train to London with his secret mistress, 53-year-old Charles Dickens - at the height of his powers and popularity, the most famous and successful novelist in the world and perhaps in the history of the world - hurtled into a disaster that changed his life forever.

Did Dickens begin living a dark double life after the accident? Were his nightly forays into the worst slums of London and his deepening obsession with corpses, crypts, murder, opium dens, the use of lime pits to dissolve bodies, and a hidden subterranean London mere research or something more terrifying?

Just as he did in The Terror, Dan Simmons draws impeccably from history to create a gloriously engaging and terrifying narrative. Based on the historical details of Charles Dickens' life and narrated by Wilkie Collins (Dickens' friend, frequent collaborator, and Salieri-style secret rival), Drood explores the still-unsolved mysteries of the famous author's last years and may provide the key to Dickens's final, unfinished work: The Mystery of Edwin Drood. Chilling, haunting, and utterly original, Drood is Dan Simmons at his powerful best.

©2009 Dan Simmons (P)2009 Dan Simmons

Good if a bit long

Definitely way too long. I like the overall premise though (even if I know literally nothing about Charles Dickens) and the voice actor is great

Excellently Read!

I felt this story used excellent use of books created by the authors within the story. I also enjoyed the period beliefs in animal magnetism...however, I find the plot a little lacking and some holes left unfilled. It is still an enjoyable read. Give it a try

You can't go wrong with Simmons.

I am a die-hard Dan Simmons fan, and could likely never be dissatisfied by one of his books. However, I read in one of the previous reviews up there that this is "Dsn Simmons at his best"; to which I can only say, "no, not quite."

So so this author is better most of the time

I found this story slightly tiresome.finished it because it was audio.do not thing I would have finished it in a print form.

Drood

If you enjoy Charles Dickens, you will enjoy Drood.

Characters out of an Edgar Allen Poe

I loved this story because the characters are as mysterious and creepy as those of Poe. The plaguing madness and lifelong contempt between Collins and Dickens reminds me very much of that which Salieri had for Mozart in the movie Amadeus. I loved wondering who was more mad. Possibly could do without a few bits in the middle of the book, but I wouldn't want to trim it down much at all. Overall, a very intriguing story. Of course brought to life exponentially by such a strong narrator.

What a performance

Simon Prebble was absolutely phenomenal and a perfect pick for this book. They could not have picked a better narrator.

Incredible imagination

There is no one like Dan Simmons.
Amazing story. Dan takes Mozart and Amadeus to a new level. Fabulous.

ordered an abridgment by mistake!

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I was disappointed when I realized that this version is abridged. I do not see any excuse for abridgements in general. If an book is worth reading it is worth reading it as the author intended.

I wish audible would stop issuing abridgments.

Was Drood worth the listening time?

yes - it would have been more worthwhile if so much of the book had been left out.

Wish I could give more than 5 stars

Absolutely excellent story and I wish I could give more than 5 stars for the performance. The vocal range and expressiveness of the narrator was simply superb.