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

Rating:
Summary: Excellent mix of history and fiction.
Review: I bought this book on the assumption it was entirely fictional. When I discovered in the foreword that a portion was based on some historical factual journal, I was fascinated. I think the mix of fact and fiction, without a clear separation between the two, makes for an exciting and thought-provoking story. Exactly where fact and fiction separate in ancient history is pretty much up for grabs anyway, isn't it?

Rating:
Summary: good
Review: EATERS OF THE DEAD is good, but it's quite a departure for Crichton. It will be interesting to see what kind of movie it will make (that will be released soon). I recently read a Crichton-like novel (in its lay-out more than its subject matter): THE SHAPE: A NOVEL OF INTERNATIONAL SUSPENSE by Craig Furnas, and it is fantastic. I'd read that before this. But EATERS OF THE DEAD is interesting. I have to give Crichton credit for taking a chance on this book, since it deals with viking-days, which certainly is not standard Crichton-fare. His publisher was probably none-to-happy when he turned in the manuscript. Do you think Grisham's would be happy if his next book was about Eskimos hundreds of years ago? So I give Cricton an extra point for taking a chance.

Rating:
Summary: What a mixed bag from Crichton...
Review: An interesting attempt at playing "what if" with history. However, the fact that the reader is left with an unclear understanding of what is actually fact and what is fiction left me a bit uneasy at the end of this book. It does offer a fascination peek at Viking life, but it never really grabs you for very long. Try Jurassic Park or Airframe for a first time Crichton read.

Rating:
Summary: interesting
Review: Around 922, ibn Fadlan really did write a diary of his experience with the norsemen. However, we must remember that Crichton is writing historical "fiction" and has made a "fictional" story out of ibn Fadlan's actual work. Crichton's book should not be taken as a factual account of what Fadlan wrote - to see the real thing as it was in the eyes of a foreigner to the north - read ibn Fadlan. To enjoy a good story about the same thing, read Crichton - it was interesting - but it was fiction.

Rating:
Summary: One Crichton's Best
Review: If only Crichton's newer novels were as good as Eaters of the Dead. This is one of his classics. I loved the read. Steve

Rating:
Summary: SILLY & NOT WORTH THE $7.99
Review: I DON'T UNDERSTAND ALL THE GREAT REVIEWS FOR THIS BOOK. IT WAS NOT RIVITING, IT DID NOT KEEP ME READING, I JUST WANTED TO FINISH IT TO BE DONE WITH IT. I ALWAYS LIKE MICHAEL CRICHTON'S STORIES BUT THIS ONE WAS WEAK. THE ONLY THING I GOT OUT OF THIS WAS A LITTLE HISTORY AND THAT IS ALWAYS A GOOD THING. WHAT DID I MISS?

Rating:
Summary: So well writen, I have a hard time believing it's fiction!
Review: This is the first book written by Michael Crichton that I have read. With the footnotes and references to other works of literature and historians, it's very hard to believe this book is fiction. The story is told in a manner that causes you to believe the charachters actually existed. A gift of writing comperable to William Shakesphere.

Rating:
Summary: It doesn't get much better
Review: I was at the supermarket the other day, and the cover caught my eye. I bought Eaters of the Dead, and began reading it just as soon as I got home. It was hard to get into at first, but it sure payed off. I never knew Viking history could be such a fun read. This is a book that should be in high school English classes. It was a little anti-climactic, but that was all for the better. I couldn't put it down.

Rating:
Summary: EATERS OF THE DEAD
Review: This book was great, but not as great as some of his others. It is not even close to Sphere and Disclosure. I think Michael Crichton is one of the best authors ever to live.

Rating:
Summary: Fantastic
Review: Great story with much interesting cultural perspective on Norse society. Kind of Michener -ish. Proverbs etc were wonderful. Best Chrichton novel