Drood review

Dan Simmons, the accomplished American author, is a versatile writer whose talents span the diverse realms of science fiction and horror. He has made an indelible mark in the literary world with notable works like the Hyperion Cantos and the Ilium/Olympos cycles, showcasing his ability to seamlessly blend science fiction, horror, and fantasy within a single narrative. His novel "Song of Kali," published in 1985, received the prestigious World Fantasy Award, a testament to his genre-bending prowess.

Born on April 4, 1948, in Peoria, Illinois, Dan Simmons embarked on a literary journey that began with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Wabash College in 1970. His passion for education led him to pursue a Master's in Education from Washington University in St. Louis in 1971, setting the stage for his future endeavors.

Simmons initially delved into the world of short stories, honing his craft as a writer. However, it wasn't until 1982 that his career gained significant traction. With the invaluable assistance of Harlan Ellison, his short story "The River Styx Runs Upstream" earned first prize in a Twilight Zone Magazine story competition. Subsequently, he found representation through Ellison's agent, Richard Curtis.

In 1985, Dan Simmons released his debut novel, "Song of Kali," marking the beginning of a prolific writing career. While building his literary portfolio, he continued to work in elementary education until 1989, demonstrating his commitment to both teaching and storytelling.

In January 2004, Simmons's talents extended to the realm of filmmaking when it was announced that his screenplays for the novels "Ilium" and "Olympos" would be adapted into a film by Digital Domain and Barnet Bain Films. Simmons assumed the role of executive producer for this ambitious project, with "Ilium" promising an epic narrative spanning 5,000 years across the solar system, drawing inspiration from Homer's "The Iliad" and Shakespeare's "The Tempest."

Further cementing his presence in the world of cinema, in 2008, Guillermo del Toro was slated to direct a film adaptation of Simmons's work "Drood" for Universal Pictures. Although the project remains listed as "in development" as of December 2017, it underscores the enduring appeal of Simmons's storytelling.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dan Simmons has received numerous nominations and awards across various categories in recognition of his contributions to fiction. These accolades include the Arthur C. Clarke Award, Bram Stoker Award, British Fantasy Society Award, Hugo Award, Nebula Award, and World Fantasy Award. His ability to captivate readers across multiple genres is a testament to his enduring literary legacy.

Drood review by Dan Simmons

Drood novel delves into the psyche of Charles Dickens during the last five years of his life, consumed by an entity named Drood. On June 9, 1865, Dickens and his mistress embark on a secret journey to London. Their express train faces a perilous gap in a trestle, leading to the destruction of all first-class carriages except the one carrying Dickens. As he confronts the aftermath in the valley below, his life takes an irreversible turn.

In the heart of Dickens's ensuing five-year nightmare is Drood, a name he confides in his friend Wilkie Collins. Collins, a laudanum addict and lesser novelist, lives unconventionally, challenging Victorian norms. However, he becomes the sole confidant to whom Dickens can reveal the secret of Drood. Dickens's obsession with crypts, cemeteries, and the decomposition of corpses in lime pits intensifies. He abandons writing for four years, wandering through London's slums and catacombs at night and delivering gruesome public readings during the day, leaving audiences horrified.

The culmination of Dickens's tumultuous period is the creation of what could have been the world's first great mystery masterpiece, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Yet, he is forever interrupted by Drood. Rooted in actual biographical events, Drood explores the unresolved mysteries of Dickens's dark final days. This profoundly original tale aligns with Lincoln Child's praise for New York Times bestselling author Dan Simmons as "a giant among novelists."