original doesn't mean better

book: the string of pearls
author: thomas peckett press (maybe)
method: purchased
completion date: 31/05/10

my favourite musical of all time is for sure steven sondheim's sweeney todd the demon barber of fleet street. so when i saw a novel advertised as 'the original sweeney todd' i felt i had no choice but to buy it. i knew that without the music it wasn't going to be the same but i was hoping for the same witty banter between todd and lovett to exist in the novel, however i found myself disappointed. todd was totally unlikable without his hearbreaking back story- he was just a despicable murderer. in order for us to sympathise with the murderous barber he needs an ounce of humanity which he totally lacks in the string of pearls. the dialogue was stiff and forced, tobias was a wuss and mrs lovett was a harmless pawn of todds game. what i loved about their relationship was totally absent. she was not the scheeming creepy character sodenheim created, she was a drunk who was driven mad by her secret. sodenheim's lovett enjoyed the violence and the canabalism (and i quote 'we'll have a cozy retreat for the guest to rest in; now and then you can do the guest in'). her relishing was what made her so creepy but fascinating.
i feel that the story in and of itself is fascinating and terrific, but the book left me disappointed. maybe if i wasn't so tired i'd feel more charitable, however currently i'm just wiped.
xo- ellebee