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3.68 AVERAGE
3.68 AVERAGE
I won an ARC of this in a YA Book Central giveaway. The book was provided by the publisher.
Surprising as it may be, but I had never heard of The Borden Murders. I was deeply intrigued when I first began reading. I was surprised to see that this book was mostly directed towards middle graders. However, readers of all ages are sure to find this book interesting, though provoking, and riveting! The formatting of the book was fantastic. The photos placed throughout the book were fascinating, allowing the readers to draw their own conclusions since the book doesn’t steer you into one specific direction. Miller’s writing flowed effortlessly, making it slightly challenging read or younger readers. At times, I had to step back and remember that the book was recalling something that actually happened. There was so much detail that you just get lost while reading. And before you know it, you’re staring up at the ceiling wonder what to do next. A great read if you are into true crime.
Surprising as it may be, but I had never heard of The Borden Murders. I was deeply intrigued when I first began reading. I was surprised to see that this book was mostly directed towards middle graders. However, readers of all ages are sure to find this book interesting, though provoking, and riveting! The formatting of the book was fantastic. The photos placed throughout the book were fascinating, allowing the readers to draw their own conclusions since the book doesn’t steer you into one specific direction. Miller’s writing flowed effortlessly, making it slightly challenging read or younger readers. At times, I had to step back and remember that the book was recalling something that actually happened. There was so much detail that you just get lost while reading. And before you know it, you’re staring up at the ceiling wonder what to do next. A great read if you are into true crime.
This book is wonderful insight on the Lizzie Borden case. It's not bias; it doesn't make Lizze Borden out to be the victim nor the suspect it just show things how they where or what could be found.
I've always been intrigued by dark things and this book is a true crime novel that will surely be the best you'll ever read.
I've always been intrigued by dark things and this book is a true crime novel that will surely be the best you'll ever read.
A fascinating book that dives into the intricacies of Lizzie Borden and the trial for the murder of her father and step mother. Definitely takes you beyond the kids rhyme that many people know:
Lizzie Borden took an axe
Gave her mother forty whacks,
When she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty one
Lizzie Borden took an axe
Gave her mother forty whacks,
When she saw what she had done
She gave her father forty one
Truly a fascinating case study of the Borden murders and Lizzie Borden's subsequent trial. Lizzie is not made out to be a horror-movie character, rather a woman of a peculiar nature who stands trial for a murder she most likely didn't commit.
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
I read an interview by the author and was excited to read this book. But it wasn't what it's being marketed as. This is supposed to be a novel about Lizzie Borden and the murders of her father and stepmother written for young adults. While I'd absolutely "let" young adults read this, I just don't know that I agree that it's really geared for young adults. She very gruesomely describes the killings and the injuries the victims sustain. Again, I wouldn't forbid a teen from reading this, but I also don't know that I'd keep it in a classroom library.
The author does explain some aspects of historical society. (For example, the killer stood straddling a body. This isn't something we'd think twice about today, but she points out this would be nearly unthinkable for a woman in the late 1800s.) She gives context to the trial and the ways of thinking in that time period.
She also uses primary sources to create her account, admitting where there's contradictory statements. She does an excellent job of showing on the media of the period really created the Lizzie Borden narrative we know today.
Ultimately the book didn't deliver what she'd promised though: a more intimate look at Lizzie herself. The trial and shaping of the story was fascinating, but I wanted more based on that interview.
40% of the book was comprised of photos and endnotes. While necessary, the book felt excessively short despite its size.
The author does explain some aspects of historical society. (For example, the killer stood straddling a body. This isn't something we'd think twice about today, but she points out this would be nearly unthinkable for a woman in the late 1800s.) She gives context to the trial and the ways of thinking in that time period.
She also uses primary sources to create her account, admitting where there's contradictory statements. She does an excellent job of showing on the media of the period really created the Lizzie Borden narrative we know today.
Ultimately the book didn't deliver what she'd promised though: a more intimate look at Lizzie herself. The trial and shaping of the story was fascinating, but I wanted more based on that interview.
40% of the book was comprised of photos and endnotes. While necessary, the book felt excessively short despite its size.
It was very informative and I think it would be an excellent book if someone were doing a report on Lizzie Borden or were really interested in her case. I, on the other hand, had to read this book for a club and it took me quite a while to get into. It was sort of slow in the beginning but it got super interesting at the end. I do think this book would be a whole lot better to read than an article about Lizzie Borden because it was pretty good at making her case seem more like a story rather than a textbook.
Read this for Read Harder. It was good and interesting, but you probably could have just read a long form piece if you want to learn about the murders.
