The Autobiography of Jack the Ripper

De: James Carnac

Narrado por: Mark Meadows, Christian Rodska

This memoir was recently discovered and appears to have been written in the 1920s by someone who asserts that he was Jack the Ripper. This person is James Willoughby Carnac, and this memoir was written shortly before his death. It is an account of his entire life, including a few short months in 1888 when he became the murderer known to posterity as Jack the Ripper.

This book introduces a new suspect for the infamous murders in Whitechapel in 1888. There is information here that does not appear to be derived from contemporary newspapers or any other publications, and the descriptions of Tottenham in the 1870s, the visits to performances of Jekyll and Hyde, and the intricate geography of Whitechapel in 1888 are written with pin-point accuracy.

There is also a credible motive given for James becoming the murderer Jack, and also a reason for the end of the murders. Given the fact that the author also appeared to have knowledge about aspects of the case not in the public arena at the time, it could be that this actually is the autobiography of Jack the Ripper. Ultimately, it is up to the listeners to decide if they believe the mystery has been solved at last, but even if they end up deciding the account to be a work of fiction, it would still be one of the very earliest imaginings of the Ripper case, written in the early years of the 20th century, a fascinating piece of period writing and a worthy addition to the Ripper canon. Whatever side listeners come down on, there is no question that this book will be a source of much debate.

©2012 Random House AudioGo (P)2012 Random House AudioGo

Easy to listen to.

This is a very easy audio to listen to. I really enjoyed this. Entertaining story and very believable.

So Much Sinister Fun

Would you try another book from James Carnac and/or Mark Meadows and Christian Rodska ?

I don't know that we could get another book from "James Carnac," could we? The narration on this book is a blast. It's treated with a verisimilitude that just sells it, even when you know it shouldn't work.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

To describe the ending, I have to first explain my thoughts on beginning. I'm not a Ripperologist by any stretch, and I love a good alternate history. This book starts out so convincing that you have to stop yourself from believing it at times. The deeper the book goes, the more wrong it gets in all the best ways. It's by no means a book for the serious Ripperologist, but it's a great character study for those who like the "Sith Lord" mentality.

What does Mark Meadows and Christian Rodska bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I don't think the text alone would have sold it for me. The performance fills in the rest and provides a suspension of disbelief that's required to get the most of out of this one.

Was The Autobiography of Jack the Ripper worth the listening time?

Absolutely. It's probably a better read for those who aren't so attached to the subject matter - you know who you are.

Fact Or Fiction?

As with the murders themselves, we will probably never know. But this is a great read and a must for all true crime lovers!

Interesting Story

If you are looking for a fascinating / new book for Jack the Ripper, this is it. Written and read well. If you are looking for the gory murder details of the ripper, you won't find it here. This is a tastefully written story on tragic events.

Disappointing Ending!

What did you like best about The Autobiography of Jack the Ripper? What did you like least?

The story and the narrator, but for the last hour of the book, when, inexplicably, he proceeds to review and retell the previous 7 hours!? Why? What a waste!

Would you be willing to try another book from James Carnac? Why or why not?

I'm not sure. See above.

What about Mark Meadows and Christian Rodska ’s performance did you like?

Great voices and interpretation of the characters.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

No.