Who Would Like This Book:
Erik Larson masterfully weaves together true crime and scientific innovation, painting turn-of-the-century England as both thrilling and transformative. You'll follow the gripping true story of Dr. Crippen, a seemingly meek doctor turned infamous fugitive, alongside Guglielmo Marconi, the driven (and sometimes relentless) pioneer of the wireless telegraph. The moment these two narratives collide is edge-of-your-seat stuff. Fans of true crime, narrative nonfiction, history buffs, and those who love to see how technology reshapes society will find a lot to enjoy here. Larson's skill for turning historical facts into a living, breathing, suspenseful story is on full display.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer your stories to stick to one timeline or character, the constant back-and-forth between Marconi's scientific journey and Crippen's crime may feel a bit jarring. Some readers found the technical details about wireless telegraphy a bit dry or overwhelming, especially if they were more interested in the murder mystery side of things. And if you're looking for a pure thriller with a fast pace throughout, you might find parts of the book a bit slow or overly detailed, especially in the middle sections.
About:
Thunderstruck by Erik Larson is a historical narrative that intertwines the stories of Guglielmo Marconi, the inventor of wireless telegraphy, and Dr. Hawley Crippen, a murderer. The book delves into the development of wireless communication and the capture of Crippen, showcasing the intersection of technology and crime in the early 20th century. Readers experience a vivid portrayal of Edwardian England, with detailed accounts of Marconi's struggles and Crippen's heinous act, culminating in a suspenseful and captivating narrative that brings these seemingly unrelated stories together in a surprising conclusion.
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Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings for Thunderstruck include themes of murder, dismemberment, and graphic descriptions related to crime, which may be disturbing to some readers.
From The Publisher:
A true story of love, murder, and the end of the world's "great hush."
In Thunderstruck, Erik Larson tells the interwoven stories of two men-Hawley Crippen, a very unlikely murderer, and Guglielmo Marconi, the obsessive creator of a seemingly supernatural means of communication-whose lives intersect during one of the greatest criminal chases of all time.
Set in Edwardian London and on the stormy coasts of Cornwall, Cape Cod, and Nova Scotia, Thunderstruck evokes the dynamism of those years when great shipping companies competed to build the biggest, fastest ocean liners; scientific advances dazzled the public with visions of a world transformed; and the rich outdid one another with ostentatious displays of wealth. Against this background, Marconi races against incredible odds and relentless skepticism to perfect his invention: the wireless, a prime catalyst for the emergence of the world we know today. Meanwhile, Crippen, "the kindest of men," nearly commits the perfect murder.
With his unparalleled narrative skills, Erik Larson guides us through a relentlessly suspenseful chase over the waters of the North Atlantic. Along the way, he tells of a sad and tragic love affair that was described on the front pages of newspapers around the world, a chief inspector who found himself strangely sympathetic to the killer and his lover, and a driven and compelling inventor who transformed the way we communicate.
Ratings (24)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (10) | |
Liked It (10) | |
It Was OK (2) | |
Did Not Like (1) |
Reader Stats (43):
Read It (26) | |
Want To Read (14) | |
Not Interested (3) |
What can you read after
Thunderstruck?
About the Author:
ERIK LARSON is the author of the national bestsellers Thunderstruck, The Devil in the White City, and Isaac's Storm. ErikLarsonBooks.com
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