Scan barcode
A review by irongold
The Great Train Robbery by Michael Crichton
5.0
Probably one of the best best books that I have ever read. The Great Train Robbery is about just that-a train robbery of a bunch of bullion gold in Victorian England during the 1850's. I absolutely loved that Crichton intertwined the story with other historical events, like the Crystal Palace exhibition, the Indian Revolution, and the Crimean War. The factual information that was in the book was placed very well, and I never felt as if the plot dragged at any point. The character development was much better than the other two books of his that I have read, though I would have liked to learn more about Edward Pierce's background. Also liked how Crichton made a nod to one of my favorite characters:
"When the last, Marylebone Station was finished in 1899, London had fifteen railway terminals, more than twice that of any other major city in Europe; and the bewildering array of lines and schedules was apparently never mastered by any Londoner except Sherlock Holmes, who knew it all by heart."
Only thing missing was for him to actually appear in the book.
"Furthermore, the Victorians themselves adored secret compartments and concealed spaces; a mid-century writing desk was advertised as "containing
110 compartments, including many most artfully concealed from detection."
I need one of those.....
Miriam(an accomplice of Edward's): All you ever think about is money.
Edward Pierce: All anyone ever thinks about is money.
Very true. I mean, almost every war in history had something to do with money. Even the cause of the war of northern aggression can be boiled down to money.
"The plan seemed utterly foolproof, and the robbers prepared to carry it out."
Miriam: It's all very good... unless something goes wrong.
Edward Pierce: What could go wrong?
Boy, were they in for a surprise.
(Judge): "Now, on the matter of motive, we ask you: Why did you conceive, plan, and execute this dastardly and scandalous crime?"
(Edward): "I wanted the money."
Hahahaha. All in all a very good book. There was some slight language, and prostitutes are frequently mentioned, but that comes with the time period.
"When the last, Marylebone Station was finished in 1899, London had fifteen railway terminals, more than twice that of any other major city in Europe; and the bewildering array of lines and schedules was apparently never mastered by any Londoner except Sherlock Holmes, who knew it all by heart."
Only thing missing was for him to actually appear in the book.
"Furthermore, the Victorians themselves adored secret compartments and concealed spaces; a mid-century writing desk was advertised as "containing
110 compartments, including many most artfully concealed from detection."
I need one of those.....
Miriam(an accomplice of Edward's): All you ever think about is money.
Edward Pierce: All anyone ever thinks about is money.
Very true. I mean, almost every war in history had something to do with money. Even the cause of the war of northern aggression can be boiled down to money.
"The plan seemed utterly foolproof, and the robbers prepared to carry it out."
Miriam: It's all very good... unless something goes wrong.
Edward Pierce: What could go wrong?
Boy, were they in for a surprise.
(Judge): "Now, on the matter of motive, we ask you: Why did you conceive, plan, and execute this dastardly and scandalous crime?"
(Edward): "I wanted the money."
Hahahaha. All in all a very good book. There was some slight language, and prostitutes are frequently mentioned, but that comes with the time period.