Review: Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Posted: 14 Aug 2015, 20:28
It is rare that a book will so captivate me that I become obsessed with it. This book had that effect on me. I looked up pictures, places, people that were mentioned. I even went to eBay and looked for souvenirs from the fair. I had no idea that we ever held a World's Fair in the U.S.. It also never really occurred to me that the fairs were not every single year. I wish I knew if my relatives had seen it, and if they did, are there any leftovers?
I will admit, that after reading the first chapter about Holmes, I was scared! I was almost too afraid to keep reading. I wanted to learn more about Burnham and the fair's progression, and leave Holmes in the dark where he belongs. Half way through the book, however, I was captivated by the American Ripper, and wanted to know more.
Larson weaves an enchanting tale, but a tale supported by facts and documents. It is amazing how well a story can be written over a hundred years later, with only fragments and speculation. I was a fan before ever reading any of his works. Now I am a fanatic! The story of the White City will be carried with me for a great long time (especially since I work in a city that resembles the Black City, and my job is located in a haunted building). And the next time I visit the Chicago area, I will be sure to put the Devil in the White CIty tour on my schedule.
I will admit, that after reading the first chapter about Holmes, I was scared! I was almost too afraid to keep reading. I wanted to learn more about Burnham and the fair's progression, and leave Holmes in the dark where he belongs. Half way through the book, however, I was captivated by the American Ripper, and wanted to know more.
Larson weaves an enchanting tale, but a tale supported by facts and documents. It is amazing how well a story can be written over a hundred years later, with only fragments and speculation. I was a fan before ever reading any of his works. Now I am a fanatic! The story of the White City will be carried with me for a great long time (especially since I work in a city that resembles the Black City, and my job is located in a haunted building). And the next time I visit the Chicago area, I will be sure to put the Devil in the White CIty tour on my schedule.