The Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
Genre: Nonfiction, Mystery/Crime
Pages: 432 (paperback)
Back cover:
Bringing Chicago circa 1893 to vivid life, Erik Larson's spellbinding bestseller intertwines the true tale of two men--the brilliant architect behind the legendary 1893 World's Fair, striving to secure America's place in the world; and the cunning serial killer who used the fair to lure his victims to their death. Combining meticulous research with nail-biting storytelling, Erik Larson has crafted a narrative with all the owner of newly discovered history and the thrills of the best fiction.
My Rating:
My Review:
The Devil in the White City is a true story of the building of the magnificent 1893 World's Fair in Chicago. We find ourself taking up history right around the time that the Eiffel Tower was built. In 1889, France opened the Exposition Universelle, a world's fair so big and glamorous and so exotic that visitors thought nothing could surpass it. At the center of the exposition stood a tower build by Alexandre Gustave Eiffel. The big question...How can Chicago beat that?
I love loved this book. First I have to say that this image does not do this cover justice. I tis a magnificent glossy cover that looks great in good light. Second, at times you certainly forget this is a work of nonfiction. It just seems so imaginative that it is hard to believe that it is real life. I thoroughly enjoyed the history during this period. You don't just learn about the world fair which, let's be honest, doesn't sound that interesting. It is so much more than that. I learned about a specific instance in time that had much impact on America's reputation and future. I think most just take it for granted. And the mystery? Yum... all there.
Have you read this book? Have you read Eri kLarson? What did you think? I've only read this one but I have another on my shelf from ages ago. Would you feel up to reading a nonfiction mystery novel?
