The book is a meticulously researched nonfiction that captures the magic of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and the darkness of serial killer H.H. Holmes. The reviewer was initially drawn to the book for its macabre subject matter but ended up being equally engrossed in the details of the fair's construction and the historical context.
The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson is a fascinating blend of history and true crime. The book intertwines the story of the 1893 Chicago World's Fair with the chilling tale of H.H. Holmes, one of the most prolific serial killers of the 1800s. The reviewer initially picked up the book for its serial killer angle but found themselves equally captivated by the intricate details of the fair's construction and the historical backdrop. The book is meticulously researched, using personal letters, court transcripts, and other primary sources to create a narrative that feels almost novelistic. The reviewer admits that the early chapters can feel like a textbook, but as the story progresses, it becomes more engaging. The book highlights the impressive architectural achievements of the fair and the dark, chaotic environment of Chicago at the time, which allowed Holmes to operate undetected for so long. The reviewer found the book to be both inspiring and disturbing, with moments that were upsetting and baffling.
Quick quotes
They get it, okay?
This book is very dark at times.
I don’t know that I expected otherwise, but it’s one thing to think to oneself, “Oh this non-fiction book about the World’s Fair and the most prolific serial killer of the 1800s was a National Book Award finalist; it must be interesting!” And it’s another thing to actually read it and come to understand the details of the criminal case.