Cara Robertson
Expected publication date: March 12, 2019
The remarkable new account of an essential piece of American mythology—the trial of Lizzie Borden—based on twenty years of research and recently unearthed evidence.This is the first time I've shared a nonfiction book for this feature, but this sounds fascinating! The research sounds so in-depth and I'm excited to see how it all comes together.
The Trial of Lizzie Borden tells the true story of one of the most sensational murder trials in American history. When Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally hacked to death in Fall River, Massachusetts, in August 1892, the arrest of the couple’s younger daughter Lizzie turned the case into international news and her trial into a spectacle unparalleled in American history. Reporters flocked to the scene. Well-known columnists took up conspicuous seats in the courtroom. The defendant was relentlessly scrutinized for signs of guilt or innocence. Everyone—rich and poor, suffragists and social conservatives, legal scholars and laypeople—had an opinion about Lizzie Borden’s guilt or innocence. Was she a cold-blooded murderess or an unjustly persecuted lady? Did she or didn’t she?
The popular fascination with the Borden murders and its central enigmatic character has endured for more than one hundred years. Immortalized in rhyme, told and retold in every conceivable genre, the murders have secured a place in the American pantheon of mythic horror, but one typically wrenched from its historical moment. In contrast, Cara Robertson explores the stories Lizzie Borden’s culture wanted and expected to hear and how those stories influenced the debate inside and outside of the courtroom. Based on transcripts of the Borden legal proceedings, contemporary newspaper accounts, unpublished local accounts, and recently unearthed letters from Lizzie herself, The Trial of Lizzie Borden offers a window onto America in the Gilded Age, showcasing its most deeply held convictions and its most troubling social anxieties. - from Goodreads
This is a story that I have seen so many authors try to tell, but I am beginning to think for me at least, a non-fic story might actually keep me engrossed more than a fic one will. Novels have just not done it for me with this story.
ReplyDeleteSometimes the real story is crazy enough, you don't need added twists or dramatization!
Deleteoh this sounds soo good. I am for anything lizzie bordon. I must add this to my tbr.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, hope you enjoy it!
DeleteI am obsessed with Lizzie and already have an arc. Gotta get this read scheduled. Let me know if you need a list of Lizzie retellings. I've read a few!
ReplyDeleteI thought you would enjoy this one! Hope you love the ARC!
DeleteThis sounds like my kind of nonfiction book. Thanks for letting us know about it!
ReplyDeleteAj @ Read All The Things!
You're welcome!
DeleteI'm very curious about this one. An in-depth book about Lizzie Borden. I think I'll note this one down because it might be quite good.
ReplyDeleteI have high hopes!
DeleteI'm also really intrigued by this one! I love how in-depth the research sounds, I'll definitely be checking it out if I have a chance. Great pick!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jordan!
DeleteOoooh! This sounds like a really fascinating book! I have read some fictionalized books about Lizzie Borden, but never one that is non-fiction. I hope that you love it! :)
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteI have to read this! I am adding this to my wish list right now. I don't read a lot of nonfiction, but Lizzie Borden (and history in general) interests me. I hope it is a good one! Thank you for bringing it to my attention.
ReplyDeleteYou're very welcome!!
DeleteI have an ARC copy of this one. I am looking forward to reading it soon. It sounds fascinating.
ReplyDeleteAwesome, can't wait to hear your thoughts!
DeleteI read this one, Angela- it was so good! I hope you enjoy it too!
ReplyDeleteThat's great to hear, Jennifer, thank you!
DeleteThis does sound good. I've seen a few dramatizations but haven't read any nonfiction examinations of this!
ReplyDeleteI agree!
DeleteOur fascination with Borden is amazing. If I had to dabble in non-fiction, this is a pretty good story to start with.
ReplyDeleteI think so, too!
DeleteThis sounds interesting (and this is the first time I came across this title)! I've been hoping to get through more non-fictions. Adding this one to my wishlist! :D
ReplyDeleteczai @ the Blacksheep Reader
Awesome, hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThis sounds so good! If I decide to read any nonfiction this year, I think this book would definitely make my list.
ReplyDeleteYay!
DeleteOh this sounds interesting!!! Ill have to keep an eye out for this maybe in audio!
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy it!
DeleteThere is something so morbid about Lizzy but something that I can't help but want to read. I too want to grab this one. I hope we both love it and that their is new research yes!
ReplyDeleteMary
I agree, Mary! Thanks!
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