Good write up! I struggle to enjoy Erik Larson much, because like you said, the blurring of fact and fiction. I have stumbled across a couple historical books I have enjoyed that you might, too: American Phoenix by Jane Hampton Cook (more historical than fiction, I think) and Batavia by Peter FitzSimons (more like Larson’s books, I think, where he tries to paint a picture of what it probably was like/said, etc.). Fascinating bit of history, but pretty dark.
Thank you for reading and taking the time to write this comment. Larson has opened up a desire for me to read more nonfiction, so I'll definitely be writing more about the nonfiction works that I encounter next year :)
I've read only Devil and Garden, which I didn't expect to like so much, given the subject matter, but ended up having a lot of respect for Larson.
As for the connection between the World's Columbian Exposition and "Dr." Holmes' murder orgy, the fact, as Larson states, that the project brought so many workers and spectators to Chicago meant that Holmes had an endless supply of single young women who simply disappeared into the chaos, seemingly, and that worked for him. The book is great, but Holmes' story is chilling.
Good write up! I struggle to enjoy Erik Larson much, because like you said, the blurring of fact and fiction. I have stumbled across a couple historical books I have enjoyed that you might, too: American Phoenix by Jane Hampton Cook (more historical than fiction, I think) and Batavia by Peter FitzSimons (more like Larson’s books, I think, where he tries to paint a picture of what it probably was like/said, etc.). Fascinating bit of history, but pretty dark.
Excellent writer, enjoyable commentary, thank you!
Thank you for reading and taking the time to write this comment. Larson has opened up a desire for me to read more nonfiction, so I'll definitely be writing more about the nonfiction works that I encounter next year :)
Larson stories are so good I use them as a self-reward for finishing other books on my “want to read” list.
I've read only Devil and Garden, which I didn't expect to like so much, given the subject matter, but ended up having a lot of respect for Larson.
As for the connection between the World's Columbian Exposition and "Dr." Holmes' murder orgy, the fact, as Larson states, that the project brought so many workers and spectators to Chicago meant that Holmes had an endless supply of single young women who simply disappeared into the chaos, seemingly, and that worked for him. The book is great, but Holmes' story is chilling.
I have read most of these books and have enjoyed them all. I agree and appreciate your characterization of nonfiction novels. Thanks for the reviews!
You're welcome and thank you so much for your comment. Did you have a favorite Larson "nonfiction novel"?
The first one I read was Devil in the White City which hooked me. Either that or In the Garden of the Beasts would probably be my favorite.
You reminded me I still have to finish Dead Wake. Thanks!