A review by aklev13
The Arsonist: A Mind on Fire by Chloe Hooper

5.0

I found this really interesting and thorough. It did a great job of exploring multiple aspects of this case: the psychological, the forensic evidence, the sociological aspects of the community, the culture of fire and the people’s, both indigenous and colonisers, relationship with it. It covers the police investigation, the victim’s experiences, the accused’s background and the court case. I also think it did a good job of explaining the impact of intellectual disability and autism spectrum on Brendan’s behaviour and culpability. I have to admit i found that there is still a flicker of wonder in my mind as to whether he actually did it but i guess it is what it is.