The Alienist by Caleb Carr -3***

[DianeMP]

The Alienist by Caleb Carr
3 Stars
The Alienist had great potential. In addition to being a Mystery Thriller, it had the benefit of being an Historical Fiction taking place in one of my favorite time period, the turn of the last century.
Apparently, Mr. Carr is an author whose writing style is densely detailed in its setting, mood, and tone. Unfortunately, he neglects character and plot development. This reader never really connected with any of the characters and if you don't care about what happens to the characters-what's the point? His plot development was slow and tedious. With so many details about the setting and mood the book became bogged down and didn't move the plot line along. The reading became unenjoyable and I had to force myself to finish it.
I hate that.
I gave the book a generous 3 stars mainly for its genre historical fiction and zero for its mystery thriller aspect.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

This just about sums up my feeling, too. It got some great reviews, as I recall, but I was perplexed as to why.

[DianeMP]

Elizabeth (Alaska) wrote: "This just about sums up my feeling, too. It got some great reviews, as I recall, but I was perplexed as to why."

The readers who gave the book high ratings commented on how they like his writing because the atmosphere, setting, and mood gave them a "you are there" feeling. I've read many authors who can give you that feeling, but the really good authors develop their characters and plot as well.

[Elizabeth (Alaska)]

Diane wrote: "he readers who gave the book high ratings commented on how they like his writing because the atmosphere, setting, and mood gave them a "you are there" feeling. "

I just went to look at my review. "Not being much of a nonfiction fan, I prefer my nonfiction to read like fiction. This being fiction that reads like nonfiction is an example of the reverse not working as well."

I guess I didn't especially like his writing style either. ;-)

[Ladyslott]

Loved this book, I read it when it came out and that was a long time ago. I don't know if the fact that I am a New Yorker is why Iwas fascinated with it, but I also love historical fiction.