Customer Reviews

The Trial of Elizabeth Cree

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

After I finished "The Trial of Elizabeth Cree", I felt chilled by how Ackroyd strings us along for the whole novel, and blows us out of the water with an unexpected revelation. Set in 1880 and in London, there are a series of murders, and some suspect that a being out of kabalistic lore is responsible. We, who can see through the eyes of the Crees know better; the murderer is fully human, and quite the picture of human evil. Along the way, we meet a few 19th century luminaries, and see how they are intertwined in the plot. Ackroyd did well here, and I hope more people discover this novel.

I think how much you like a book very often depends on how you're feeling about life as you read it. If that is the only factor, then I must have been in one hell-of-a-mood as I read this one. What a great book! I could, prior to reading this book, never have imagined reading a book about a psychopath, judging by what I usually read at that time. But I'm so glad I did! I was introduced to the author through his book 'Chatterton' by a now-estranged friend. Whereas that book was passable, this one, in my opinion, is exceptional!

I'll try and write a couple of sentences which are actually about the book now: I think the main sellers of the book are its plot ofcourse, its simplicity, and the pacing, which is sheer genius. I'm a sucker for simplicity if the language is elegant--which it is in this case--when it offsets a very unusual storyline. Should also mention the atmosphere of the book: its descriptions of London in that period seems very plausible and authentic. Loved swimming in the dark hues of the book. (Never mind that this seems to counter my opening conjecture!) Love the book, especially it's unpredictability! A must read guys, this one is one of those undiscovered treasures.

A clever and engaging novel, with an interesting blend of probability and possibility.

Who murdered whom, and why? There is more than one murder, and potentially a number of murderers in this novel and Mr Ackroyd provides some intriguing possibilities.

The year is 1880, and in a novel inhabited with real people as well as with entirely plausible characters, we set off to dissect the life and times of Elizabeth Cree who is on trial for the murder of her husband.

We meet Karl Marx and George Gissing. We spend time in London's variety theatre and we become all too familiar with life in Victorian London.

Some readers will enjoy the elements of mystery, others will enjoy the superb writing. I enjoyed it all.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

This is a fascinating study of city life in Victorian England. Historically accurate while fictionally charged, the novel offers a unique and tantalizing perspective of British history. I am disappointed that it was not deemed worthy or popular enough to be issued in a follow-up paperback.

This book, also seen on shelves under the title of "Dan Leno and the Lime House Golem" paints a splendid picture of a squalid scene. The sights, sounds, and smells of London are vividly imagined by the interested reader. This very creepy story left me dazed and shaky. When I finished this book late at night, I put the book down, thought about it for a moment, then picked it up and started over again at page 1.

I thought this book was fantastic! What it didn't have in suspense (You find out who the murderer is very early on) it made up for in rich period detail. And for once, here is a book about Victorian times that doesn't exaggerate the subject up to the hilt. The nature of the murders also made it positively scary.

I enjoyed this book, not only for its compelling narrative, but for its dark Victorian feel--a very good example of a period piece. It was a good scare, but not overlong--just right for the occasional reader of thrillers.

In _The Trial of Elizabeth Cree_, Peter Ackroyd once again explores the world of horror and sinister doings with such skill that one hesitates to hang the word "horror" anywhere near the book. It's an alternate-universe Jack the Ripper tale, a superb and evocative narrative with more than one surprise for the reader. I've read Ackroyd's fiction and acclaimed biographical works. He's a master whose metafictional concerns never overwhelm the tale, or the reader.

The plot of this period exercise is well summarized by some of the reviews below. I listened to the unabridged audiotape, and was impressed like everyone else by the vivid authenticity of the characters and setting (helped by a skillful narration). Peter Ackroyd is an obviously learned and polished writer. However, it wasn't a particularly engaging mystery, and the horror was too formal to really have an impact.

peter ackroyds novel 'the trial of elizabet cree is a splendid recreation of the foggy and seedy side of life in victorian london. ackroyd manages to conjure up a world and time somewhat removed from the times we live in now. yet it is this point that allows the reader the neccessry distane to observe this stange world with open eyes. hence we are able to decipher their wierd behavior. the book is strong in all areas. well written and believable, ackroyd seamlessly incorporates real life figures into the narrative such as karl marx. his evocation of vaudeville exemplifies what ackroyd is aiming for. its a place inhabited by men and women who seem as if they just stepped into the world right from a deeply dark and often disturbing caberet. despite the grim subject matter the story and the characters, many who possess faults, are imbued with a peculiar sense of jocularity. its a wonderfully colorful book that is at once dark and tasty. in my mind it is a masterpiece and should hold up mightily on repeated visits.