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traciemasek's review against another edition
3.0
On the back of this book it says it's "must read for any Twain enthusiast" and that's totally accurate, but it's also should probably say "ONLY read this if you are a Twain enthusiast." Twain is a sentimental favorite of mine mostly because I didn't realize that people told fart jokes in the 19th century until I got to him. The story itself "A Murder, A Mystery, and A Marriage" is shorty short short (I read it over half a cup of coffee), and it's cute and cynical and full of local color the way Twain's best stuff is, but this is not his best stuff. The version I read has an indepth foreward and an even indepthier afterward written by Roy Blount Jr. and without the context he provides this is a total throw away story. Okay, even with the context he provides, it's a bit of a throw away, but the bit about his grudge against Jules Verne is delightful and something I will remember for always.
Also the skeleton novellette competition idea was super awesome and I wish it would have been realized as Twain planned.
The short story gets two stars, but the foreward/afterward get three. So I'll round up.
Also the skeleton novellette competition idea was super awesome and I wish it would have been realized as Twain planned.
The short story gets two stars, but the foreward/afterward get three. So I'll round up.
aweneee's review
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I read this book for a school project, but it’s honestly pretty good. Funny, fast, and easy to read. Though, definitely not the best Twain story.
bookhound's review against another edition
4.0
The shory story itself, I'd give 3 stars, but the illustrations and background info are great. The audio is also excellent.
alexctelander's review
3.0
Published in book form for the first time is a newly discovered short story by Mark Twain, A Murder, a Mystery, and a Marriage, written in 1876 between the Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn.
Set in the mythical town of Deer Lick, Missouri, John Gray is our lead character who is currently having problems with his family. His daughter, Mary, wants to marry the man of her dreams, while daddy would prefer a much more respectable man: the foreigner who has miraculously appeared in the town, a European with a title and riches.
At the same time there is old Uncle Gray who is willing to leave his fortune to Mary after he dies, but not if she marries the ruffian she loves. Then there is a murder, and automatic blame is assigned. But who was really the killer and why?
Presented in this wonderful version from Norton, with a foreword into how the story was discovered, and an afterword on Twain’s life, as well as some beautiful illustrations. It is a book to delight all.
Originally published on December 3rd 2001.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
Set in the mythical town of Deer Lick, Missouri, John Gray is our lead character who is currently having problems with his family. His daughter, Mary, wants to marry the man of her dreams, while daddy would prefer a much more respectable man: the foreigner who has miraculously appeared in the town, a European with a title and riches.
At the same time there is old Uncle Gray who is willing to leave his fortune to Mary after he dies, but not if she marries the ruffian she loves. Then there is a murder, and automatic blame is assigned. But who was really the killer and why?
Presented in this wonderful version from Norton, with a foreword into how the story was discovered, and an afterword on Twain’s life, as well as some beautiful illustrations. It is a book to delight all.
Originally published on December 3rd 2001.
For over 500 book reviews, and over 40 exclusive author interviews (both audio and written), visit BookBanter.
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