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9.34k reviews for:
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
Erik Larson
3.87 AVERAGE
9.34k reviews for:
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America
Erik Larson
3.87 AVERAGE
Kinda boringly written. No real investment into the situation or any interesting detail that makes me care about the fair or even the Holmes murders.
Excellent read. I couldn't put it down. Larson's research is impeccable and he manages to match Truman Capote's flair for novelistic nonfiction. I was totally enthralled with the entire story.
dark
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Not for the faint of heart - being the sometimes grisly and horrifying story of America's first serial killer as well as the tale of the Chicago World's Fair - but Larson's ability to weave a compelling tale is impressive. I learned so much about the Fair itself and its wide-reaching impacts that still permeate modern society, and the key characters that made the Fair a reality come to vivid life. A brilliant history that reads like a gripping mystery novel. Highly recommend.
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
incredibly interesting, if a little apocryphal in places. the descriptions of the white city are vivid and inspired—it made me wish i was there to see it for myself.
challenging
dark
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
adventurous
dark
informative
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
Erik Larson writes in such a way that you do not even realize you are reading a non fiction book. This book gives you a two for one story where you get to learn about the schematics that went into building the world fair as well as Holmes’ story. I will never not recommend any of his books.
It's a dense read. Took me about a week longer than it takes me to read most books. I especially found the lengthy chapters about the development of the fair to move slowly. The alternating chapters on the serial killer is what kept me engaged. Though, by the end, I found the chapters on the fair much more interesting. I recommend but only if you feel you can stick with it when it moves a little slower.
Very interesting story and being from Chicago I enjoyed all the local detail, but it felt more like studying for a history exam than entertainment. I read a lot of historical fiction, but really need to be in the right mood for nonfiction to hold my interest. Kept putting this one down after short spurts. May return to it down the road.