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Sweeney Todd and the String of Pearls: The Original Penny Dreadful with a New Foreword
Before the broadway musical, before the film, there was the novel. Now you can read this original tale for yourself, and trace the origins of the mythic, and gruesome, Barber of Fleet Street.
From November 1846 to March 1847, this story was published in eighteen weekly parts, initially under the title The String of A Romance. This was part of the "penny dreadful" genre of literature, cheap, lurid, and sensationalistic fiction, aimed at a popular audience, at an affordable price. These would be sold for a penny in cigar shops and other such places, while a "legitimate," such as those by Charles Dickens, novel cost twelve.
Enjoy this Victorian tale as the Victorians themselves did. Thrill and gawk at the chilling adventure!
From November 1846 to March 1847, this story was published in eighteen weekly parts, initially under the title The String of A Romance. This was part of the "penny dreadful" genre of literature, cheap, lurid, and sensationalistic fiction, aimed at a popular audience, at an affordable price. These would be sold for a penny in cigar shops and other such places, while a "legitimate," such as those by Charles Dickens, novel cost twelve.
Enjoy this Victorian tale as the Victorians themselves did. Thrill and gawk at the chilling adventure!
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 20, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review
October 10, 2026
This review is for the audiobook.
I went into this story wondering whether it would be any good in its original version. I come out of it having loved it.
I have always loved a genuinely frightening villain in a novel, and Sweeney Todd is simply chilling. The tale is detailed, with so many strands to it that at times I wondered how they would all be tied together. Yet they were, and very satisfyingly so. I doubt that I shall ever take a bus along Fleet Street again without getting a chill.
The story is dark, rich with atmosphere very satisfying, with a good ending (although fast) and, honestly, some delicious descriptions of pies which will forever now make my stomach churn.
The characters all jump off of the page: Sweeney Tood, Mrs. Lovatt, Tobias, Joanna, the magistrate. The spotlight of course goes to Todd, but the supporting cast is very, very strong.
As for the audiobook itself, it is very well performed with an engaging reader who keeps the pace moving along nicely.
My only critisism, mainly owing to the period in which the novel was written, is that it tends to be quite wordy and there were times, especially when Joanna was in danger but stopped to fret at length before getting out of the danger, that I almost slapped my palm to my forehead thinking "Don't talk about it! Run!".
But, that aside, if you enjoy gothic Victorian horror, this really is a must read. I would rate it higher than 5 stars if I could, but sadly, I can't. Will definitely read it again sometime.
I went into this story wondering whether it would be any good in its original version. I come out of it having loved it.
I have always loved a genuinely frightening villain in a novel, and Sweeney Todd is simply chilling. The tale is detailed, with so many strands to it that at times I wondered how they would all be tied together. Yet they were, and very satisfyingly so. I doubt that I shall ever take a bus along Fleet Street again without getting a chill.
The story is dark, rich with atmosphere very satisfying, with a good ending (although fast) and, honestly, some delicious descriptions of pies which will forever now make my stomach churn.
The characters all jump off of the page: Sweeney Tood, Mrs. Lovatt, Tobias, Joanna, the magistrate. The spotlight of course goes to Todd, but the supporting cast is very, very strong.
As for the audiobook itself, it is very well performed with an engaging reader who keeps the pace moving along nicely.
My only critisism, mainly owing to the period in which the novel was written, is that it tends to be quite wordy and there were times, especially when Joanna was in danger but stopped to fret at length before getting out of the danger, that I almost slapped my palm to my forehead thinking "Don't talk about it! Run!".
But, that aside, if you enjoy gothic Victorian horror, this really is a must read. I would rate it higher than 5 stars if I could, but sadly, I can't. Will definitely read it again sometime.
Displaying 1 - 1 of 1 review