Nevermore

I recently read Harold Schechter"s novel "Nevermore", and was pleasantly surprised. I actually picked the book off of the bargain table not having heard anything about the author or the book. However, my interest in Edgar Allan Poe's works prompted me to buy it. I thoroughly enjoyed being transported to 1830's Baltimore, a city I have spent some time in. Mr.Schechter nearly convinced me that I was reading one of Poe's actual works. I could actually feel the dark oppresive atmosphere of the setting. I have always enjoyed reading the prose of the nineteenth century American writers, and Schechter seems to have an exceptional talent in this arena. I did have to use a dictionary to enable myself to be transported into the story, but what a ride, and what a learning experience as well. It is a shame that this type of writing is no longer popular.

I suffer from an auditory processing disability which makes it rough getting through most books. My concentration and comprehension in layman's terms is just lousy. However, I found this book so fascinating that I could hardly put it down. Schechter's words describe the action in such a clear and dramatic style that you feel as though you're there watching all the action. He combines all the stuff I learned about Poe this past year in eighth grade Lit. and molds it into a creative masterpiece that even Poe, the toughest of critics would give a great review. I can hardly wait till Schechter's next book. I hear he teams Poe up with P.T. Barnum!! Cool!

Never have I read a book written in the 1990's that has so captured not only the feeling of the 1800's but gives you a sense of having been written IN the 1800's. The literary prose is just as entertaining as the actual subject matter itself. A wonderful idea for a book using EA Poe portrayed as a aspiring writer and how he came up with all of the gothic horror that he translated into his novels. I recommend this to all my friends who enjoy classical novels.

Schechter, a gifted writer, has done a masterful job throwing the reader in to old Baltimore and right into Poe's life. Crockett and Poe together? Chasing a serial killer yet? Sounds crazy but with Schechter's rich narrative and incredible scene setting, the story works perfectly. The interplay between the two, very different characters is hysterical and the suspense is gripping. A joyous page-turner, indeed!

I just finished this book and found it to be extremely entertaining. The "pictures" painted of each character are so vivid, I could really "see" them as I read. I laughed most of the way through. I do believe that most of the main characters are exaggerated and cartoon-like, but I think that added to my enjoyment. Poe and Crockett are perfect foils for each other...