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Publisher: Random House |
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While Burnham's account is related in a straightforward manner, Holmes's is not. Slowly, the author builds up the wickedness in Holmes and it is not until the last few chapters of the book that the massive evil deeds of the murderer come to light. If there ever was a tale of good and bad happening in the same city at the same time, this is it.
Larson gives a good deal of historical perspective to the planning and building of the fair. He takes much pride in the detail and loves numbers. Statistics are inserted throughout the book, but never in a dry way....they are always directly relevant to the story. And also includes a nice sidelight regarding the first-ever Ferris wheel!
Of great interest is the postscript of Larson's book. Many authors leave their readers at a loss as to what happened to the characters. The author finishes them out to their collective dying days. Don't be surprised if you find yourself asking if the events in this book actually happened. It could have been a book of well-written fiction, but it is not....this is real history. Erik Larson has done a masterful job in balancing the lives of two men and the strange and wonderful people who surrounded them.
