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A review by alexdicanio
The Alienist by Caleb Carr
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
To put it simply, I loved this book. Historical fiction, crime, and mystery are some of my favorite genres, and this had it all, and to spice things up, it also had politics.
The book has a slow pace, but i enjoyed it. I was never bored, and always wanted to keep going. Not only did the mystery keep me interested, but the politics did as well. 1890’s New York is a wild time and place. I really enjoyed the protagonist, I though he was an interesting, and at times pretty funny character.
I will add trigger warnings to this review as well, especially considering the setting. There are a few racist terms and stereotypes mentioned.
During one of the scenes, Moore And Kreizler are at the Museum of Natural History investigating something, and there is a man (I can’t remember his title) taking them through and explaining everything. They are there looking into traditions and beliefs of Native American tribes, primarily the Sioux and other tribes from the Dakota’s. The man informing them mentions that he knows people are quick to make assumptions based on very little information (or most likely rumors) that they have heard. He also mentions that most people don’t know the complexities, and issues of the White - Native American relationship the U.S. has had, therefore even quicker to judge and further racist stereotypes.
If you like historical fiction, and crime, you will probably enjoy this book.
The book has a slow pace, but i enjoyed it. I was never bored, and always wanted to keep going. Not only did the mystery keep me interested, but the politics did as well. 1890’s New York is a wild time and place. I really enjoyed the protagonist, I though he was an interesting, and at times pretty funny character.
I will add trigger warnings to this review as well, especially considering the setting. There are a few racist terms and stereotypes mentioned.
During one of the scenes, Moore And Kreizler are at the Museum of Natural History investigating something, and there is a man (I can’t remember his title) taking them through and explaining everything. They are there looking into traditions and beliefs of Native American tribes, primarily the Sioux and other tribes from the Dakota’s. The man informing them mentions that he knows people are quick to make assumptions based on very little information (or most likely rumors) that they have heard. He also mentions that most people don’t know the complexities, and issues of the White - Native American relationship the U.S. has had, therefore even quicker to judge and further racist stereotypes.
If you like historical fiction, and crime, you will probably enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Excrement, Physical abuse, and Sexual content
Minor: Racial slurs