Review of Chopped

[Riya Sarkar]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Chopped" by Dale M. Pollock.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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Chopped: A Novel by Dale M. Pollock is a thrilling recall of a murder mystery with a backdrop of the mid-1800s. The story revolves around Dr. James Winchell Stone, a Harvard doctor with great aspirations to be a part of Boston’s upper-class society, and the murder of Dr. George Parkman, the wealthiest man in Boston at the time. Dr. Stone accidentally gets closely involved with the murder. So, when the police arrest a Harvard professor for the crime, and the murder trial ensues, he gets to attend it firsthand. He uses this opportunity to showcase the power of phonography, and documents all the legal proceedings using it. While working on this project, Dr. Stone sheds light on numerous things that enrich the reading experience.

I have always been fond of the 1800s literary style, and I was happy to find that the author had written the book with that in mind. The dialogues and the cultural setup match the backdrop of the 1800s well. The characters were so well-written I could imagine myself having a conversation with those characters. The plot development was fantastic as well. I truly enjoyed reading the proceedings of the trial. It gave a detailed view of the judicial system traditions at the time.

Dr. Stone’s thoughts and views were well-expressed. He was not the perfect character, and reading about his flaws added to the reading experience. Moreover, his character development was a joy to read. His forbidden romance with an Irish woman, Ellen O’Keefe, adds even more depth to the plot.

I would rate this book 5 out of 5. The book takes the reader on a journey in search of the truth, and when it is found, it teaches excruciatingly hard lessons. It was edited wonderfully. I encountered very few mistakes.

I recommend this to readers who enjoy historical fiction and crime thrillers. Readers who like the themes of forbidden romance and the pain which comes with it will also find this book a good read.

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Chopped
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