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A review by mcoleman1250
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson
5.0
"...this book is about the evanescence of life, and why some men choose to fill their brief allotment of time engaging the impossible, others in the manufacture of sorrow. In the end it is the story if the ineluctable conflict between good and evil, daylight and darkness, the White City and the Black."
Read while traveling! This book visited 5 different airports! In 1 of the 5, my bag was flagged because my book was "too big"
Speedy summary: Primarily discusses the construction of the World's fair in Chicago in 1893, with a sprinkling of a serial killer who operated there during that time
Thoughts: This book has been on my radar for so long and I was glad to finally read it! It almost reads like two books that have been mushed together. One: a long novel detailing all the crazy things that went into building the World's Fair and, maybe my favorite, all the things and people that became famous because it started there (Ferris Wheels! Shredded wheat!). I found it fascinating to read about this huge historical and culture defining event that I knew little about. Two: A true crime novelette about a super creepy serial killer.
Generally, I don't care for speculation in my non-fiction novels, there are citations for what led to those speculations. If you are interested in history, architecture, politics, engineering, or social history, this is for you. If you just want a true crime, I would look elsewhere.
Check out @realreaderreallife on instagram for more reviews :)
Read while traveling! This book visited 5 different airports! In 1 of the 5, my bag was flagged because my book was "too big"
Speedy summary: Primarily discusses the construction of the World's fair in Chicago in 1893, with a sprinkling of a serial killer who operated there during that time
Thoughts: This book has been on my radar for so long and I was glad to finally read it! It almost reads like two books that have been mushed together. One: a long novel detailing all the crazy things that went into building the World's Fair and, maybe my favorite, all the things and people that became famous because it started there (Ferris Wheels! Shredded wheat!). I found it fascinating to read about this huge historical and culture defining event that I knew little about. Two: A true crime novelette about a super creepy serial killer.
Generally, I don't care for speculation in my non-fiction novels, there are citations for what led to those speculations. If you are interested in history, architecture, politics, engineering, or social history, this is for you. If you just want a true crime, I would look elsewhere.
Check out @realreaderreallife on instagram for more reviews :)