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martinbihl's review against another edition
3.0
This was actually really good. Considering this is the same guy who famously wrote "It was a dark and stormy night...". A good historical novel, and by some accounts, the first in that genre.
kevinmaschke's review against another edition
4.0
Leída edición española de 1966.
Spanish edition from 1966 read.
Spanish edition from 1966 read.
sams84's review against another edition
3.0
This is an interesting read that shows what life was like for a number of the inhabitants of Pompeii in the days leading up to the eruption that made the city so infamous. Lytton uses his characters to cover all the main cultures and peoples that make up this colourful city, from the Greeks (represented by Glaucus) and the Egyptians (represented by Arbaces) to the new religion of Christianity (represented by Olinthus) and the older religions and belief in the occult (represented by the Witch). The only people not well represented are the Italians themselves but then again Pompeii is very much a Greek stronghold thanks to its coastal location and fertile lands. The vibrancy of the people and the city is portrayed well and even though you know how it all ends there is still a sense of hope as well as a sense of dread that keeps things moving well. Personally I would've liked more about the eruption itself and how each of the main characters faired and where they ended up afterwards but this may have taken away from the feeling of finality that the book ends with so maybe its for the best.
alireuter's review against another edition
3.0
the best way to emulate my feelings on this book is by comparing it to the titanic movie. this may be random but both have disastrous plots & make you feel like you’re waiting for the major event to happen. i was really interested in getting to know the characters & how they react to the volcanic eruption, including how they would survive & what they would do with others. unfortunately, after meeting an array of characters throughout the book, the event happened only in the last twenty pages & exclusively focused on the three main characters. i found this a shame because the reader therefore has a limited few of the wreckage & how other characters are affected. on the other hand, i loved the power of the dramatic irony the reader has as they read the everyday activities of the characters & how even though there was so much drama, none of it mattered because of the inevitable ending for everyone. i think this is a really interesting concept to explore & ponder over.
schlong01's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
This historical novel laid a big focus on it's soap opera like drama with heavy inspirations from Romeo and Juliet. I read the German translation and it might be for that reason but the language was very unrefined. The story itself was good but very shallowy viewed and the characters felt like cardboard cutouts. Despite all of that I did enjoy my experience with this book and suggest it if you like TV dramas or such. But absolutely don't except historical accuracy from this one as it is a fictional novel.
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
1.0
Sure, we didn't know as much about Pompeii back in the 1830s, but also Bulwer-Lytton was a notoriously terrible writer and does not deserve even the barest modicum of credit.
danielshelsel's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
inpalemoonlight's review against another edition
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Although I‘m not really interested in the roman empire and usually read contemporary books, I really enjoyed reading this book. I liked the language and think it‘s beautifully written.
Character- and story-wise it is old fashioned and pushes the narrative that real love is the love worth dying for. On the other hand, the novel was written in 1834 and can‘t be compared to contemporary views and literature.
Character- and story-wise it is old fashioned and pushes the narrative that real love is the love worth dying for. On the other hand, the novel was written in 1834 and can‘t be compared to contemporary views and literature.