UTTERLY DELIGHTFUL!

A gem of a crime story, artfully told with liberal use of the amusing, endearing jargon of the criminal element in Victorian London, written in the form of brief chapters in a manner that engages the reader/listener, not least because the author manages to build and sustain suspense, even while providing strong hints and outright facts about what's to come.

The central figure leads a cast of characters worthy of a Dickens novel, and it's hard to imagine the superb performance of the reader being any better or more suitable for the historical setting and subject matter of the story.

An enthusiastic 5 STARS!

65 people found this helpful

An unusual but rewarding listen

Any additional comments?

Michael Kitchen is not a typical sort of narrator, but he ends up being absolutely perfect for Michael Crichton's The Great Train Robbery, which is not a typical sort of novel. If you're familiar with Kitchen from FOYLE'S WAR, then just imagine Christopher Foyle reading an audiobook and you have some idea what to expect. Kitchen uses the same cadence and delivery that he does in that character, offering unusually breathy, matter-of-fact, brisk narration. It doesn't sound like someone narrating an adventure; it sounds like someone recounting events. And... that perfectly matches Crichton's writing style.

The Great Train Robbery is a novel, and some of the events are fictionalized, but it is based on true events. Crichton uses the same quasi-non-fiction style that he uses for his other historical novels like Eaters of the Dead or Pirate Latitudes. There are so many accurate period details and references to other events happening at the time or even events happening later that you think you're reading non-fiction... but then the events seem just a little too thrilling to be completely true. The novel is as much about early Victorian society as it is about the titular robbery, and it's largely a condemnation of that society. A story about the criminal element proves the perfect vessel for such condemnation, and Michael Kitchen proves the perfect narrator. He sounds like a professor - granted, a really interesting professor, probably the best you ever had - delivering a particularly good lecture. And that really does add to the reading experience!

The downside to Crichton's historical style is that you never really get into the characters' heads, since the tale is delivered as if by a researcher who would have no way of knowing their inner throughts. But then, rich characterizations were never what Crichton was best at anyway. What he's best at is making details - be they about genetics or viruses or Victorian London - fascinating and exciting. And that's certainly the case here.

Kitchen's unique style takes some getting used to, and despite being a fan of his, I wasn't sure I was going to like it at first. But stick with it, because you suddenly realize it's PERFECT for this material, and adds a lot!

109 people found this helpful

Wonderfully researched novel based on true story

This 1975 novel was only the third published by Michael Crichton using his own name. It is not a techno-thriller like most of his novels, but the marvelous Victorian England trivia clearly demonstrates the normal quality of Crichton research obvious in all of his novels. I do not believe The quality of the story of The Great Train Robbery deserves 5 stars, but the Victorian trivia does. So does the narration.

26 people found this helpful

Great pace and realism

read the book, saw the movie, but listening has been a great pleasure. Try it

17 people found this helpful

Outstanding Story and Performance

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this to everyone. This is the most perfect combination of story and performance I have ever heard, and I have heard a lot of good books. Michael Kitchen sets the perfect tone for Crichton's narrative. The writing is a history of Victorian England in itself and the story rushes along to a very satisfying conclusion

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

The plot moves from episode to episode with a great flow and engaging dialog. There is a great education in the slang of Victorian criminals that is in itself worth the reading. Find out how Scotland Yard got its name and what the nicknames for police are at that time. Authentic insight into the mores of Victorian England.

What does Michael Kitchen bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Michael Kitchen is the perfect choice for this story. His pace and accents bring Victorian England alive for the reader. This would not be the same without his perfect performance. His tone, pace and elocution are just right. When the occasion calls for it you can almost hear him insert his tongue into his cheek.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

The narrative of the ploy used to enter the railroad office is particularly engaging, but so were many of the other schemes to leverage Victorian customs to the advantage of the thieves. Many of these will make you laugh out loud

Any additional comments?

Listen to this book. It was great fun from beginning to end.

59 people found this helpful

What a fun ride!

I really loved this book! It reminded me of a Sherlock Holmes book from the thief's perspective. Crichton does an amazing job giving you a feel for the era and the background info is what makes this book such a pleasure. Michael Kitchen is awesome in his narration, although it took me awhile to warm to his style.

My only criticism is that, after reading the book, I found out that Crichton had fictionalized the account and I wish I had known that from the start. I actually thought his account was completely factual (it is for the most part) and I felt kind of duped. But I would highly recommend this book!

12 people found this helpful

Great Book with lots of fun Victorian Trivia

I opted for this book because it was read by Michael Kitchen. I had previously listened to a Robert Goddard book read by Mr. Kitchen (no longer available) and loved his style. This book was a perfect fit for his narration style. I do understand why some might not be drawn to him as a narrator. But, I love his voice, tambour etc. and the clipped nature of his delivery.

The story itself is superb. What a great writer Mr. Crichton was! I am not a huge science fiction fan and I wished while listening that he had written more novels like this one.

The characters are all perfectly drawn and you definitely find yourself cheering on the robbers.

I don't want to give anything away. I did find that his little detours into history were fascinating and the explanation of Victorian street slang was very fun. I listened straight through. Could not stop. Highly recommend.

33 people found this helpful

absolutely wonderful!

the narrator was so excellent, I hung on every word. just loved it!

8 people found this helpful

Exciting listen!

Some people will be put off by the narrator's style, or the additional tidbits of information that Crichton threw in to his historical, but I found both to be enjoyable and effective in setting the scene and tone of the era. I will likely listen to this piece again.

6 people found this helpful

Far different from the usual Critchon

Simply nothing short of Fantastic. I was skeptical, but extremely pleased i gave it a shot!

13 people found this helpful