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book_concierge's review against another edition
4.0
In 1855 a gang of thieves carried out an elaborate scheme to rob a train of the gold bullion scheduled to serve as payroll for the soldiers fighting in the Crimean War. “The Victorians always referred to this crime in capital letters, as The Great Train Robbery.” This is Crichton’s fictionalized novel based on what is known of the truth, with a good deal of conjecture and embellishment.
What a rollicking good story! I was entertained from beginning to end. Crichton starts out with a recitation of the facts and sprinkles the text with details of Victorian life and the specifics which came to light during the trial. But the way he imagines the lead characters, especially Edward Pierce (the gang leader), is what really breathes life into the story.
I first read this back in 1975 when it was a new release. In fact, I have a book-club edition I purchased at the time. It’s always been one of my favorite books by Crichton and I’ve recommended it to people over the years as a quick, fun adventure / crime story.
The book was adapted to film in 1978, starring Sean Connery as Edward Pierce, and Donald Sutherland as his accomplice Robert Agar. It’s a pretty faithful adaptation, and well worth watching.
NOTE: This review was written on my second (or third) reading, August 2015. One of my book clubs chose it for discussion in June 2019, so I’ve re-read it yet again. And I still love it!
What a rollicking good story! I was entertained from beginning to end. Crichton starts out with a recitation of the facts and sprinkles the text with details of Victorian life and the specifics which came to light during the trial. But the way he imagines the lead characters, especially Edward Pierce (the gang leader), is what really breathes life into the story.
I first read this back in 1975 when it was a new release. In fact, I have a book-club edition I purchased at the time. It’s always been one of my favorite books by Crichton and I’ve recommended it to people over the years as a quick, fun adventure / crime story.
The book was adapted to film in 1978, starring Sean Connery as Edward Pierce, and Donald Sutherland as his accomplice Robert Agar. It’s a pretty faithful adaptation, and well worth watching.
NOTE: This review was written on my second (or third) reading, August 2015. One of my book clubs chose it for discussion in June 2019, so I’ve re-read it yet again. And I still love it!
pinks_paperbacks's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed reading this book. It took me on an adventure along with the main characters and made me go through various emotions as and when each character was going through a particular situation. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to enjoy a light reading.
lizthescaredycat's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
It was still interesting but a bit of a slog. Not what I expected going into a Critchon book but still glad to have read since it’s pretty short
mpapomeroy's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.5
kaitib's review against another edition
4.0
Michael Crichton did thorough research for this book and it did not disappoint. This just might be my favorite book by him. The story is as clever as the movie "The Sting." I know some people don't like the long interruptions from the story to make room for historical explanations, but it makes "the robbery of the century" seem more plausible. I would definitely recommend this book.
hartyharrharr's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
microbiologist's review against another edition
5.0
The perfect mix of Gangs of New York and Oceans Eleven. This Historical Fiction/Non-fiction, or Dramatized Non-fiction if you will, alongside the main storyline, is peppered with historical antidotes about life in London in the mid 1800s as well as explanations for alot of the slang of the time, much like Gangs of New York. Which is why it brought it to mind as I was reading it. A very fun and engaging read for sure.
schuster_s's review against another edition
3.0
Not the best Crichton book I’ve read, but in line with his earlier books. Very informative and intriguing, keeping you interested, but I felt very strung along. I never felt the rush of excitement I wanted while reading the book. I honestly read it because it was the last Crichton book I owned and hadn’t read.
pawgrowler's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
kylek44's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5