S Howe

Wow! Surprisingly good!

Revisado: 10-12-21

I'm always wary of inserting Holmes and Watson into every historical event from the Victorian era to and beyond WWII, but the Ripper killings are a different matter. Holmes and Watson are in their natural milieu and it always goes without saying that Sherlock Holmes would have very likely had some input into investigating or possibly resolving the grisly events of 1888. He would at least have had an incredibly strong interest in following events. So, the setting and Holmes' involvement seems natural and believable.
The style of writing and atmosphere of the story is incredibly close to Conan-Doyle's original vibe - not an easy thing for a 21st century author to emulate.
The cast of characters are varied and feel authentic. What is more, they draw the listener/reader in to want to know more about them and how their roles and personalities play out as the story unfolds.
On my first listen I was blown away, I listened again with a more critical ear to make sure I wasn't just getting carried away with the idea that I've always had that Holmes would have been involved in this case. Still not trusting myself I left it alone for a few weeks and listened again, and then again. Yes, I was still picking up new threads on each listen, and it just got better on each listen.
5 stars, except for the narration which was really pretty good but once you've listened to Stephen Fry reading the canonical Conan-Doyle stories, you're totally ruined for any other narrator.

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My own fault - I should have known better

Revisado: 10-12-21

I knew that trying to insert 80-something year old Holmes and Watson into a late 1930's Nazi Germany was stretching the bounds of believability and to maintain the spirit of the original stories was a big ask. Really, these two octogenarians end up doing some pretty unbelievable action/adventure stuff that I'm sure their bodies wouldn't be capable of. Yes, it is a bit too action/adventure for my liking and just not believable. I hate to leave a bad review but if inserting Holmes and Watson into every historic moment through to and beyond WWII is your thing, then go for it - you'll probably enjoy this story. The narration is good.

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Authentic - like the man

Revisado: 01-03-17

Would you consider the audio edition of Born to Run to be better than the print version?

In this case I prefer the audio version read by the author as the tone, nuance and emphasis he uses ensures clarity, and adds richness and authenticity.

What did you like best about this story?

The authenticity. I was surpised by how grounded Bruce has stayed despite the trappings of wealth and privilege that come with celebrity, not to mention to issues and mental anguish heaped on top of that. The writing is earthy and detailed, but with clarity and a lyricism that makes the book a joy to listen to. Intimate without being tawdry, and I like how he has treated all others involved in his story with fairness, respect and understanding.

Which scene was your favorite?

No one scene - the whole book holds the reader although be prepared to experience a range of emotions from joy to utter sadness and desolation. For someone who has enjoyed his music for decades without really knowing much about the man, I was thoroughly surprised and engrossed by not only the richness and breadth of his story, but by how much of it was relateable to the every day human experience. As a small example, I found myself experiencing complete empathy at Bruce's description of his Catholic upbringing - trying to think of "sins" for confession. Somehow it's comforting to know now that I wasn't the only Catholic child who was tormented by that particular conundrum!

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

I wouldn't want to see this book reduced to film - it wouldn't do justice to the authenticity of the man and his story.

Any additional comments?

Bravo, Bruce! It takes courage to write your own story with such clarity and fairness. Like his songs his book is thoughtful, authentic and finely crafted.

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