Review of Michael Crichton’s Eaters of the Dead

My thanks to @mikesbookreviews for recommending that I give Michael Crichton's Eaters of the Dead a try during our discussion of Tolkien's translation of Beowulf on his channel. Here is my review of Crichton's homage to Beowulf, and I hope to have a chance to chat with Mike about it!

[mikesbookreviews]

So glad you read this! The Wendol were nightmare fuel first time I read this. I thought it would be the best starting point for you with Mr. Crichton.

[Johanna_reads]

This might have been the most scholarly take on a Michael Crichton book I’ve ever heard, and it was wonderful! Loved hearing how this compares to the past chronicler approach to storytelling. Those character relationships do sound fun, and good to know that many of the Beowulf themes shined through. Glad you enjoyed this one!

[TreeBeardBookReviews]

Im so happy you read this, I love this book. I am glad you raised it that this is not historically accurate, Crichton did do his homework but many forget this is a work of fiction. Great review and analysis as always. Thank you Dr. Chase!

[thebrothersgwynne]

Great review! Ed and I have had this high on our tbr pile for about a year now! Really looking forward to seeing what our thoughts are. Sounds like a very interesting read!
Will

[sethulakovic]

Hi Philip. Glad you got around to this one. I had a long period in my teens of devouring Crichton. The Eaters of the Dead was one that always stood out. Take care Philip.

[vaughnroycroft]

I read this book years ago--long before the start of my writing journey. I was in business at the time, reading mostly nonfiction during those years, and I'm positive that I picked it up because it was presented in bookshops as being "based on a historical account." You've got me wondering what part it played in my writing journey. Guess it's time for a reread. I think I still have my old paperback copy... somewhere. Thanks for sorting out the history and the fiction, Philip.

[J.R.Carrel]

I think it's time for me to go back and re-read Eaters of the Dead. I've been waiting to hear your perspective on this story and it didn't disappoint.

[chadandrews]

This has always been one of my favorite Crichton books! You have convinced me to do a second read, love your show. Thank you!

[jeriballast]

Have read the book. Enjoyed it. The 13th Warrior happens to be my favorite movie. Watching it helps when I need some bucking up. "Luck, often enough, will save a man, if his courage hold." Both book and movie are grossly underappreciated, imho.

[libraryofaviking]

Excellent review! I need to read some of Crichton's work!

[RichardNellAuthor]

Ah man this book was excellent, really great description and review sir, you've reminded me to re-read this.

[Ulmo]

Nice, I've read Congo and Sphere by Crichton, perhaps this one should be my next read of him

[RekindledReader]

Yes! I can't wait to get back to more Chricton. Great analysis.

[Aluminatihusker]

Great stuff! I just ordered this book prior to this video! Can’t wait to read it!

[brushcanvas]

More Norse stuff, yeah!! I expect to talk to people around me in Old Norse any minute now.😁
Great review, though! Only Philip can make a book with fake footnotes sound so appealing. Now, when does the next longboat leave?

[christopherfly]

Interesting review, Philip. I liked "The Thirteenth Warrior" when it came out. I wanted to get the "The Eaters of the Dead" but many people discouraged me saying it wasn't like the film and it was very dry, etc. I think I need to bump this book up on my TBR list. It sounds like something I can really get into.

[BookishChas]

Thanks for this review Philip. I may check this out. The only Crichton book I’ve read is Rising Sun.

[brancellbooks]

I’ve passed this novel on my family’s bookshelf dozens of times and always wondered about it. I guess it sounded goofy to me. Sounds like it’s interesting! Thanks for the video!

[YodaVGs]

Another God-Tier thumbnail, well done good sir 😂

[LiamsLyceum]

I’ve been wanting to read this one, I haven’t read a Crichton book since middle school. I knew about the historical account this was based off of, but I didn’t know about the journey going further and him connecting it to Beowulf. Nice review, I’ll definitely need to find a copy of this.