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lufferdinks's review against another edition
5.0
I don't typically leave reviews, but this is one of the best courtroom memoirs I have ever read. I would absolutely recommend it to anyone interested in the OJ case, lawyer stories, and discussions about race, sexism, and privilege.
ag_esq's review
4.0
Great account of the O.J. Simpson case. Although it's from the prosecutions perspective, it gives a vivid account of how race played a part throughout all aspects of the case.
teerah's review
3.0
From Chris Darden's perspective, he and Marsha had no role to play in losing the case. It simply happened around him, and there was nothing he could do to stop it.
rheannachristine's review
5.0
a rarely told and sad story revolving around The OJ Simpson trial. Everyone should read this book!
embaskowitch's review
3.0
Very interesting account of the OJ Simpson trial. Not particularly well written and heavily pro-prosecution (not just in talking about this trial, but others), but otherwise a very gripping novel. I enjoyed it.
jenniferbbookdragon's review
4.0
So much has been said and written about the OJ Simpson trial, but Darden's role as a Black prosecutor in one of the most racially divisive cases of the 20th century brings together the competing interests and narratives with the evidence and his experience to explore the "trial of the century. "
missuskisses's review
5.0
All OJ books are being rated based on how much it contributes to the narrative. I read this one in one night (stayed up a bit late) following Clark's Without a Doubt.
With a title like In Contempt, I thought this book, written closer to the trial than Clark's, would be written in an even more bitter tone. But while Darden has his share of complaints, he has a knack for humanizing his reactions to those things he complains about.
Unlike Clark's book, which more or less jumps into the case with some flashbacks, Darden's book builds up his own backstory, as well as the racial tensions preceding the OJ trial. In fact, as a SID prosecutor, Darden prosecuted a lot of the out-of-control cops who carried out Operation Hammer.
Darden argues that race should not have prevented the conviction of OJ Simpson. But race could not be ignored, and Darden certainly does not ignore it in this book. He explains why the black community would have an entirely different take on the events than the white community. And also why he believed a black jury would be devoted to justice and could nevertheless convict someone who was clearly guilty.
Darden was undoubtedly hurt when he was branded an Uncle Tom (and even a bit confused that not a lot of black leaders spoke out in his defense). He believed that justice was best served by blacks being on every side of the justice system, including the prosecution. He's not wrong.
Besides the above, does Darden provide anything different from the other books out there? Yes. Since he worked on the Cowlings grand jury, there’s plenty of interesting things there, too, especially what was likely OJ and AC’s plan to help OJ escape to the Bahamas. Some of the personal interactions between him and Clark were most likely the basis for some of the scenes in the FX series as well.
Despite Darden being known as the “moody” prosecutor, I found that he showed the most perspective (and overall growth) in his book. He even presciently writes, “I will lose no more sleep over OJ Simpson because he will be judged again one day.”
Just an all-around great book with a great voice.
With a title like In Contempt, I thought this book, written closer to the trial than Clark's, would be written in an even more bitter tone. But while Darden has his share of complaints, he has a knack for humanizing his reactions to those things he complains about.
Unlike Clark's book, which more or less jumps into the case with some flashbacks, Darden's book builds up his own backstory, as well as the racial tensions preceding the OJ trial. In fact, as a SID prosecutor, Darden prosecuted a lot of the out-of-control cops who carried out Operation Hammer.
Darden argues that race should not have prevented the conviction of OJ Simpson. But race could not be ignored, and Darden certainly does not ignore it in this book. He explains why the black community would have an entirely different take on the events than the white community. And also why he believed a black jury would be devoted to justice and could nevertheless convict someone who was clearly guilty.
Darden was undoubtedly hurt when he was branded an Uncle Tom (and even a bit confused that not a lot of black leaders spoke out in his defense). He believed that justice was best served by blacks being on every side of the justice system, including the prosecution. He's not wrong.
Besides the above, does Darden provide anything different from the other books out there? Yes. Since he worked on the Cowlings grand jury, there’s plenty of interesting things there, too, especially what was likely OJ and AC’s plan to help OJ escape to the Bahamas. Some of the personal interactions between him and Clark were most likely the basis for some of the scenes in the FX series as well.
Despite Darden being known as the “moody” prosecutor, I found that he showed the most perspective (and overall growth) in his book. He even presciently writes, “I will lose no more sleep over OJ Simpson because he will be judged again one day.”
Just an all-around great book with a great voice.
lesere's review
4.0
i dont think this should be sold as his journey through the OJ case because, as well written as it was, it was more of a tale of Dardens evolving emotions and strange revelations towards the racial double standards and 'Uncle Tom' accusations he faced. I particularly enjoyed the summary of his childhood. One of the best memoirs I have ever read.