The Borden Tragedy by Rick Geary. The world of graphic novels continues to delight me! And I'm beginning to believe the breadth of this medium is endless. This time around I discovered true crime in graphic novel form. (Many thanks to Joy for introducing me to this one.)
In a very brief introduction, Geary explains that he based this book on an unedited manuscript of an unknown woman's memoirs which was discovered at an estate sale in 1990. The manuscript, he stated, had been authenticated to a satisfying degree. Though there has been much speculation, the identity of this woman has never been ascertained. As we see in the book, this woman was a friend of Lizzie Borden, and after the murders, she set upon a quest to find out what had really happened.
The book was a very quick read, both because it was short and because it was impossible to put down. It did not give a terribly in-depth account of "the whole affair" but it was a nice, concise overview. Why I love true crime accounts is a question I've never been able to answer, and frankly, I've quit trying. But I definitely enjoyed this book. One thing I found fascinating was a glimpse at how times have changed...after a preliminary examination by the medical examiner, the bodies were moved to the dining room table where the post-mortem was performed...ewww.
*****
If you've reviewed this book, please leave a link in the comments and I'll add it here. Thanks.
Joy at Thoughts of Joy
*****
Read for:
Graphic Novels Reading Challenge
O.K., O.K., I admit it...this book wasn't on my original list (I hadn't even heard of it then), but I'm sticking it in there as I've been having trouble finding a couple of the ones I'd originally intended to read. Is this considered cheating?
11 comments:
I've seen and read some really good stuff about Lizzie Borden, including one of those documentaries where they went back with today's equipment to see if they could determine more stuff about the murder. It was fascinating and, of course, gruesome.
I think these things can be appealing, especially the older true crime tales, because they take on a sense of mystery and romanticism all their own...they are far less real and gruesome with some time having gone by. It is sort of that deliciously creepy feeling that comes with reading scary/gothic tales.
Hooray! I'm so glad to read that you enjoyed this book. Geary has more! :)
You're doing great with the reading and reviews lately! :)
Happy Reading!
I'm actually afraid to start looking at graphic novels. I already have enough actually books to read. This is just going to open up a whole new set of opportunities! Sheesh.
I wish you guys would find something you don't like!
I hadn't heard of this before. It does some quite appealing in a creepy sort of way. But I've never said "no" to creepy, so...one more for the wishlist!
And yes, it is a very varied medium...there are as many types of graphic novels as there are of "regular" novels. Which is why I think that people who dismiss the medium as a whole are missing out. I'm glad your experiences with graphic novels have been positive so far!
I have always been fascinated by the Lizzie Borden story. Maybe it is because it happened right here in my home state. I think I would really enjoy the book. I just ordered it from Amazon :)
take care,
Dawn
You have been doing a lot of reading and reviews lately! Doing good with your challenges I bet. Is school through for you guys?
I've gotten busier and my reading has been a bit sporadic, but still very light and fluffy!
Eww, not my thing. The dining table? Ew, ew. But, you know, I never stick to my original lists when I do challenges. I don't think that's anything to feel bad about. As long as you're reading something that works, c'est la vie. :)
Not cheating--wiggling. :) I figure if I'm going to put myself through the potential stress of challenges, I'm going to read whatever I damn well feel like!
Sounds creepy--I've seen some bits about Lizzie Borden on TV--I'm guessing this story probably gives a whole new meaning to the word "graphic".
I don't even make a list for my challenges, since I never know what gem I might find! LOL
I've only read one graphic novel, and it was interesting but not perhaps the best. I might have to add this to my library "holds" list as well!
No way, that's not cheating! Or if it is, I've cheated several times already for that challenge myself.
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