SWEENEY TODD The String of Pearls The Original Victorian Classic by James Malcolm Rymer, Thomas Peckett Prest

Final Rating: 4.3/5

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 refusing 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