The book provides a comprehensive account of the tragic events involving Dr. Debora Green, who was convicted of murdering two of her children and poisoning her husband. The reviewer appreciates Ann Rule's thorough research and the inclusion of photos, but feels the portrayal of Dr. Michael Farrar is overly sympathetic.
Bitter Harvest by Ann Rule delves into the horrific tragedy that occurred in Prairie Village, Kansas in 1995, where a house fire resulted in the deaths of two children and a dog. The book meticulously details the events leading up to the incident, the investigation, and the trial of Dr. Debora Green. The reviewer praises Rule's diligent research and the inclusion of photographs that provide a visual context to the story. They also highlight the importance of addressing mental health issues, as Dr. Green's actions were influenced by her mental state. However, the reviewer feels that the book paints Dr. Michael Farrar in too sympathetic a light, excusing his infidelity and portraying him as an overly caring father, which may not be entirely accurate. Overall, the book offers a comprehensive look at a tragic event and the complexities of the individuals involved.
Quick quotes
Rule's diligent research, including interviews, is laid out in chronological order, from background information of the key players, to the actual tragic event(s), followed by pertinent investigations, the trial, and the eventual sentencing of the accused.
I always appreciate visual representation in true crime novels, so the inclusion of several pages of black and white photos helped me get a greater understanding of the people and settings involved.
I often felt that Rule painted Dr. Michael Farrer in too sympathetic a light.