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A review by karenschiavelli
The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America by Erik Larson
5.0
This is a book about Chicago and I loved it (and love Chicago). The idea of reading non-fiction is always in my brain - I want to learn. But I often get bored or feel like I am working on a "required" list and don't finish the book (maybe out of unconscious spite). But The Devil in the White City read like a novel to me and it is one of the best books I have read in recent years.
I've skimmed a bunch of reviews about this book. Many people don't understand the link between the fair and the murders. But I keep going back to this being a book about Chicago and america in the late 19th century. There is no link other than this happened. And when I realized all of the inventions that came out of the fair (including the ones to murder people), I can't help but realize what a turning point this was for america - our history, our future.
I'm not really that interested in architecture but I found myself fascinated with the design of the fair and it's likely failing at every point. It was maybe a bit slow at the beginning but it gave me sense of timing that is seemingly accurate. I also think I was able to read through HH Holmes' story because I didn't have to read gruesome details that typically give me nightmares. I enjoyed the back and forth of the 2 stories and felt that each switch was perfectly spaced to keep my attention.
Finally I was most impressed when I read that Erik Larson obtained all his research himself from first-hand sources. Brilliant. Great summer read.
I've skimmed a bunch of reviews about this book. Many people don't understand the link between the fair and the murders. But I keep going back to this being a book about Chicago and america in the late 19th century. There is no link other than this happened. And when I realized all of the inventions that came out of the fair (including the ones to murder people), I can't help but realize what a turning point this was for america - our history, our future.
I'm not really that interested in architecture but I found myself fascinated with the design of the fair and it's likely failing at every point. It was maybe a bit slow at the beginning but it gave me sense of timing that is seemingly accurate. I also think I was able to read through HH Holmes' story because I didn't have to read gruesome details that typically give me nightmares. I enjoyed the back and forth of the 2 stories and felt that each switch was perfectly spaced to keep my attention.
Finally I was most impressed when I read that Erik Larson obtained all his research himself from first-hand sources. Brilliant. Great summer read.