A review by jennmichelle_otsr
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson

dark emotional informative inspiring mysterious medium-paced

5.0

This was my first read by Mr. Larson. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It is amazing how much effort the 1893 World’s Fair took to bring to life against a multitude of obstacles. The viewpoint pivots between that of architect Daniel Burnham and one of America’s earliest serial killers H. H. Holmes (one of many aliases). I will not spoil anything by listing the numerous figures you will recognize in the tome or the invention that “out-Eiffeled Eiffel’s Tower” from the Paris World Fair.

Larson’s tone and style remind me of Kate Moore’s prose. The story is simply laid out for the reader in a narrative style instead of a typical drier nonfiction style. I find this type of book more my speed for nonfiction.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings