Eaters of the Dead : With an introduction and running commentary read by Michael Crichton

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Summary: good book
Review: i borrowed the book from my local library only because the movie was filmed in my home town of campbell river, bc canada intersting and scary in parts, michael must be a genius.

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Summary: Vikings and Adventure, what more could one ask for?
Review: Crichton did a superb job in the retelling of the manuscript of Ibn Fadlan. I refer to Eaters of the Dead as the prose version of Beowulf. Lovers of Vikings will enjoy this work as Crichton gives a glimpse into their world, filled with danger and adventure, myth and mystery. Eaters of the Dead is a read that keeps one hooked.

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Summary: very interesting about norseman way of life
Review: A great historical documentary of the norseman way of life, as seen through the eyes of a muslim. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to friends.

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Summary: History + Action= Excellent Novel
Review: I don't understand how people could not be fascinated with this book. I've read it twice, and each time I have loved it. I, personally, don't like Beowulf. I find the story boring, but this story, this is how Beowulf should've been done the first time. This story goes into great detail about the battles, Viking life, etc. I did not know until I read Mr. Crichton's note in the back did I realize that most of the book was fiction. Perhaps that is why I loved it so much, I love history and love how he blurred the line between fact and fiction. This book is incredibly fascinating and I would recommend buying it to read over and over again. A MUST HAVE!!

Rating:
Summary: Disappointing
Review: I have read quite a few of Micheal Crichton's books and this is by far the worst. The whole book was written in an utterly boring fashion. But the real disappointment was how he handled the Beowulf story(which the book is spin off of) He took a great story and turned it into a semi-descent story adding at least three hundred pages too it all. considering that half the charcters where already made and he had the potential for a great plot the whole thing sucked. I would suggest finding a translation of the original instead.

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Summary: Well thought out, typical Crichton.
Review: This has to have been one of the stranger of Chrichton's books, but you have to give him credit, he sure does know how to write a compelling story. In this one, you're not really sure where the truth ends and the fantasy begins. The reason why Crichton is one of the best is because he makes you think that you're reading something that really happened, and that you were right there along for the ride.

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Summary: Simply Remarkable
Review: The intensive study he had done on the manuscript to have retold the story of Ibn Fadlan's journey astounds me even as I read the book a third time. Can't wait for the movie too.. I would give it 6 stars actually.

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Summary: History or fiction?
Review: This book made quite interesting reading. After debating on whether or not to read it, I am glad I did. The book weaves a tale of mystery and suspense which makes it easy read. While reading this book, one asks themself, is this really a true story? The book is SUPPOSED to be based upon actual documents written in 922 A.D., somehow though Chrichton has made this story come alive with characters and suspense. He (Chrichton), provides footnotes explaining events throughout the book, one may find this too descriptive or difficult to follow while reading, but it helps the reader understand how the passages were interpreted from the document. A problem which a reader may have with this book, however, is the pronounciation of many characters throughtout the book. A short book, it should only take a serious reader a day or two to read.

Rating:
Summary: Incredible
Review: I started this book around midnight and had to finish it that night. Crichton's continuation of an ancient manuscript is awesome. Before you start to read it be sure you have enough time to finish that day.

Rating:
Summary: Eaters of the Dead is an excellent quick read.
Review: I also came upon this book by accident, and was very suprised I had never heard of it before. Although it is a short book, I enjoyed it tremedously. I have also read rising sun, travels and jurassic park by crichton. More and more I am finding Michael to be a great author/reasearcher. It seems that he often studies the subjects he writes about in depth, especially in this case. For some reason this book reminds me of some of lovecracft's short stories, its not only the arab source for the manuscript but also the monsters at the end. All in all if you have a little imagination and enjoy fantasy type books you will like this. IMHO I think that women would not like this book as much as men might, unless you are into the graphic violence and promiscuity of the viking women. If anyone knows any other books in this vein that they enjoyed please email me. I am reading travels now and enjoying it very much.