SWEENEY TODD The String of Pearls

I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you, Dover Publications!
Sweeney Todd is the quintessential penny dreadful: lurid tales published serially for the newly literate classes in the mid 1800's. I know the Sondheim musical well and I had the images of Len Cariou and Angela Lansbury burnt into my brain, so at first it was hard to picture the characters as described by the authors. Like the introduction to this new version says, we are now used to handsome, charismatic villains. The Sweeney we find in the novel is ugly, disgusting and scary. Mrs. Lovett is only a secondary character. The story is quite different from what we’re used to, so it is interesting to read the original text – even in I was a little disappointed. Like with Dracula, I like the subsequent versions so much that the original paled in comparison. I knew it would be melodramatic, but I didn’t expect it to be so repetitive. I found some parts a little boring. Other parts were gothic and creepy and a lot of fun so, even if irregular, it is a good read for fans of horror novels.

A classic from the great age of horror

These types of stories may be called “penny dreadfuls” but I would never say my experience with this novel was dreadful. In fact, I enjoyed this classic from the great age of horror, which may seem disturbing to some but then again I have always been fascinated with the late 18th century and entertaining dark social examinations in fiction form and I know I’m not alone. It may take a special kind of reader to look past the gruesome and see the unexpected mysterious value in this book though, the introduction to Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls explains this point and immediately captures the reader’s attention and rightly prepares them for the wild ride they are about to experience through the mean and cruel streets of 18th century London with a character who commands the scene and strides into the reader’s imagination and refuses to leave for days. So don’t skip the opening pages.

I was very excited when I was offered to read this novel. I have watched the cinematic adaptation that although very entertaining is more of a revamped lite version of this story but I am happy I watched that version before reading this novel because I dare say I prefer the original story to any movie. The characters are evil and ugly, there is no redemption to be found here and I dare anyone to fall in love with or find sympathy for this edition of the Demon Barber of Fleet Street. The only negatives in this tale I can say that somewhat irritated me but may be explained by modern sensibilities was the repetitive scenes and speeches. This again may be forgiven because this story was originally a part of a series, so perhaps they repeated scenes for the benefit if a reader wasn’t already following and just started reading; still for the modern reader it can get a little dull and patience is required (so fair warning). If you wish to read this dark entertaining book remember it is a romance so some scenes may seem out of place but those don’t last long, again patience is needed. Finally I must note of the black humor in Sweeney Todd: The String of Pearls, I know I’m not alone in those personalities who appreciate a good dark joke and certain chapters in this book are strung with them, so enjoy and have some pork and veal pie while you’re reading this exceptional romantic mystery.

* I would like to thank Dover Publications and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and enjoy SWEENEY TODD The String of Pearls The Original Victorian Classic

Great book especially for those who love books a a little on the creepy side. fast paced and very thrilling.

Deliciously evil and indulgent. Our world could use a resurgence of the penny dreadfuls.

It's an old story, written in a style of it's time - sometimes like it's a Shakespearian play, sometimes like it's an old chivalry tale.

If you choose this book because you've seen the Tim Burton movie, then be warned, this is not that story.

This is an horror story about a barber, who has killed couple of hundred rich customers over six years and the customer's life, money and possessions isn't all that he had used of them. His partner in crime sells rest of the victim 2 pence a piece.

Nobody has suspected him yet, but then a string of events reveal Sweeney Todd's dreadful engagements.

Besides this horrendous story there is also a story about two young lovers, who have been separated for two years and now a fellow seaman has come home to tell Johanna that her love has perished. But the messenger newer reached Johanna and she does not give up hope to see Mark again.

One thing leads to another, one story entwines with the other and at the end everybody wets what was coming to them.

It was interesting to read and I could not help but to think - was human life really so insignificant at one point that hundreds of people - not poor and homeless/lonely people but rich people - could go missing and nobody would look for them? And were the air in London really so polluted, that for six years nobody smelled the corpses? Thats probably the curse of a modern mind - we know too much and we question all.

It was an interesting find and educational read from a classics.

Really enjoyed this book.