Thunderstruck

By: Erik Larson

Narrated by: Bob Balaban

Length: 11 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's summary

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. Their 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 crime.

With his superb narrative skills, Erik Larson guides these parallel narratives toward a relentlessly suspenseful meeting on 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.

Thunderstruck presents a vibrant portrait of an era of séances, science, and fog, inhabited by inventors, magicians, and Scotland Yard detectives, all presided over by the amiable and fun-loving Edward VII as the world slid inevitably toward the first great war of the 20th century.

Gripping from the start, and rich with fascinating detail about the time, the people, and the new inventions that connect and divide us, Thunderstruck is splendid narrative history from a master of the form.

©2006 Erik Larson (P)2006 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Larson has a knack for creating genuine suspense in his writing, and his latest is thoroughly enthralling." (Booklist)

"Splendid, beautifully written.... Thunderstruck triumphantly resurrects the spirit of another age." (Publishers Weekly)

Great story.

Met expectations.
Good History without boring you with detail Larsen never writes a bad book.
Well presented to maintain you're interest.

Good book. Well written, but less is more.

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

Yes, if you like science and like murder mysteries. It got a little long in the parts about the telegraphy and I think there could have been less detail with the same results.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thunderstruck?

The disappearance of Belle and the investigation of her disappearance.

Which scene was your favorite?

The scenes on the ship at the end of the novel, when they are catching up with the Doctor.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. It took a while to get through. You really have to pay attention. The detail on the telegraphy and that history could have been shorter. It tended to get long and boring, especially at the beginning.

Any additional comments?

The Devil in the White City is my favorite Erik Larson book, and this one was good, but not as good.

Almost as good as "Devil"

Fans of "Devil in the White City" will recognize the formula. Way too much information on Short wave radio. You almost sympathize with Dr. Crippen when he finally commits his famous murder.
Very well written, fabulous use of language. All read. No skipping or noise in the recording.

Solid historical tale

Very well researched, this story weaves a tale of approaching mystery that will keep you entertained and provide education. The only criticism I can make is that it often borders on pedantic, but this is a benefit for those on long car rides, as I was when I listened.

Narrator

Big fan of Erik Larsen’s writing. Fascinating but the narrator had such a staccato clip and his sentences would fall off in volume at the end of each phrase. It seemed he was trying to read through the book within an allotted amount of time. Almost like his recording was on a slightly higher speed than normal.

Interesting murder

Typical Larson if you like the style. I always learn things from his books. Larson is very comprehensive.

Excellent mystery history!

Mr Larsen is my favorite author. Excellent weaving of historical events! Hope he writes another soon.

Couldn’t have put it down.

Another terrific book by Larson. Two fabulous stories interwoven. I love the impeccable detail added to the history.

Marconi, murder, mix well

I have enjoyed the unabridged audio book version of Thunderstruck read by the actor Bob Balaban, although I couldn't honestly say if it would hold my interest as much in print. Balaban has a pleasant yet oddly flat delivery that does not distract from the narrative. This, the author's second book in which he utilizes the formula of juxtaposition - where two seemingly unrelated bits of history, one sensational, the other pivotal in scientific advancement, find a unifying thread - might just cement Larson into writing solely in this sub-genre of his own device. Since, for me, pure dry facts of history or science tend not to hold my attention for long, I sincerely hope this style blossoms, not only from Larson but from other history scholars hoping to actually make some serious somolians from their long hours of difficult research by squeezing just a tincture of creative pulp into their work. Who says history can't drop a dose of the good stuff and shake its booty once in a while?

Interesting but no "White City"

Not as good as Devil in the White City, but a similar format following scientist Marconi and contemporary EveryMan-turned-murderer Dr. Crippen. I enjoyed the historical descriptions of the development of wireless communication, including the personal jealousies and enemy-making practices of the scientists/engineers involved. The turn of that century seemed to be a point where the gentleman's scientific pursuit for shared knowledge butted heads with patented technology for commercial gain.