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A review by nichola
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.75
I am constantly astonished by the skill required to write good and engaging Nonfiction.
If you want to read a book about H H Holmes and true crime this is not for you. This is not the Biography of America's first serial killer. This is a brilliant snapshot (the origins of the word which I learnt from this book) of the history of America and in specific Chicago during a stunning period in history where men could do all things. And yes I say men, specifically. Also, I mean this with all the good and the bad clumped together.
This book stunned me in the best way. I feel like I have been immersed in a time and place and absorbed the world's magic and terror.
This book feels like an incredible explanation for why America is the way it is.
If you like Susan Orlean and her craft for recreating a moment in time on a page this is definitely a brilliant choice of reading material.
If you want to read a book about H H Holmes and true crime this is not for you. This is not the Biography of America's first serial killer. This is a brilliant snapshot (the origins of the word which I learnt from this book) of the history of America and in specific Chicago during a stunning period in history where men could do all things. And yes I say men, specifically. Also, I mean this with all the good and the bad clumped together.
This book stunned me in the best way. I feel like I have been immersed in a time and place and absorbed the world's magic and terror.
This book feels like an incredible explanation for why America is the way it is.
If you like Susan Orlean and her craft for recreating a moment in time on a page this is definitely a brilliant choice of reading material.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism