American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping

by Jeffrey Toobin
American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping cover
Good Books rating 3.88
Technical:
  • ID: 890
  • Added: 2025-09-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-21
  • Formats: 23
  • Reviews: 4
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Waterstones
Paperback • £12.99
Reviews
goodreads.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
fascinating 4.00

The book provides a gripping account of the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, blending historical facts with a compelling narrative. It offers insights into the social and political climate of the 1970s, though some may find the pacing uneven.

American Heiress delves into the dramatic story of Patty Hearst's kidnapping, offering a detailed and engaging retelling of events. The author does an excellent job of capturing the atmosphere of the time, providing context that helps readers understand the broader implications of the case. However, the pacing can be inconsistent, with some sections feeling rushed while others drag. Despite this, the book is a fascinating read for those interested in true crime and historical events. The narrative is well-researched and provides a fresh perspective on a well-known story, making it a valuable addition to the genre.

Quick quotes

    The book is a gripping account of a bizarre and fascinating episode in American history.

    The author's research is thorough, and the narrative is engaging.

    The pacing can be uneven, but overall, it's a compelling read.

app.thestorygraph.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
fascinating 4.00

The book provides a gripping account of the kidnapping of Patty Hearst, blending historical facts with personal narratives. It offers a nuanced perspective on the events, though some may find the pacing uneven.

American Heiress delves into the dramatic and complex story of Patty Hearst's kidnapping, offering a detailed and engaging narrative. The book successfully captures the era's atmosphere and the psychological impact on those involved. However, the pacing can be inconsistent, and some readers might find certain sections more compelling than others. Overall, it's a fascinating read that provides a fresh look at a well-known historical event. The author's ability to weave together various perspectives adds depth to the story, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in true crime and historical narratives.

Quick quotes

    The story is as gripping as it is disturbing

    The author does a fantastic job of capturing the era's atmosphere

    The pacing can be uneven, which might detract from the overall reading experience

thelibraryladies.com · Unknown · 2017-01-19
intriguing 3.50

The book provides a detailed account of Patty Hearst's kidnapping and her transformation into a revolutionary, raising questions about brainwashing and personal agency. The author's strong opinions and extensive research make the story engaging and thought-provoking.

Jeffrey Toobin's 'American Heiress' delves into the 1974 kidnapping of Patty Hearst by the Symbionese Liberation Army and her subsequent involvement with the group. The book is praised for its thorough research and engaging narrative, though some reviewers note the author's strong opinions. The story raises intriguing questions about brainwashing, personal agency, and the cultural context of the 1970s. While some found the book too detailed, others appreciated its depth and the way it challenges conventional views of Hearst's actions. The book's exploration of Hearst's trial and the privileges she enjoyed post-conviction adds another layer of complexity to the narrative.

Quick quotes

    If Toobin was looking for a media-circus, true-crimer to rival his OJ book, he found the perfect subject in Patty Hearst.

    This book was a well-researched, in-depth account of what happened before Hearst was kidnapped to her arrest, trial, and up to the present day (2016ish).

    Imagine being so rich that you could spend two years cosplaying as a revolutionary, including involvement in multiple bank robberies, bombings, and murder, and not only get off with minimal jail time, but also con two different presidents into giving you a pass.

slate.com · Unknown · 2016-07-28
engaging 4.00

Jeffrey Toobin's 'American Heiress' offers a gripping account of Patty Hearst's kidnapping and transformation, set against the chaotic backdrop of the 1970s. The narrative blends thriller elements with a deep character study, though the question of Hearst's agency remains unresolved. Toobin's thorough research and engaging prose make this a compelling read.

Jeffrey Toobin's 'American Heiress' is a captivating exploration of Patty Hearst's kidnapping and the events that followed. Set in the tumultuous 1970s, the book captures the era's sense of discord and distrust. The narrative is part thriller, part character study, and part Shakespearian tragedy, filled with twists, flawed characters, and complex dynamics. Toobin's thorough research and engaging writing style make the book a compelling read. However, the central question of Patty Hearst's agency remains elusive, leaving readers to form their own opinions. The book is a great choice for those interested in true crime and historical events, offering a detailed and nuanced perspective on a pivotal moment in American history.

Quick quotes

    At each stage of her life, Patricia [Hearst] used the tools at her disposal. She was a straightforward person, and starting on February 4, 1974, she reacted to her challenges in rational ways.

    By any measure, the 1970s were a pretty tumultuous decade. There was the trial of Charles Manson, the end of Vietnam, the Watergate scandal, and Nixon’s resignation.

    This is an incredible tale. It is part thriller, with twists and turns and outlaws on the run; part character study; and part Shakespearian tragedy, peopled with flawed characters who hurt, kill, deceive, and betray.

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