Review: Robertson, The Trial of Lizzie Borden

[truepenny]

The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is well-written and extensively researched and yet I ended up feeling very meh about it. Possibly because, as with some of the other books I've read recently, I've read too much about the topic. Robertson does offer a blow by blow account of the trial, but there was nothing in this book I didn't already know, and Robertson refuses to offer any theory of the crime whatsoever. And, I mean, I admire historians who recognize the difference between historiography and speculation, but when you're writing about an unsolved crime, it seems to me a little disingenuous not to acknowledge that you have a theory. Or, if you don't, I'd prefer if you came out and said that. Some kind of attempt to come to analytical grips with the crime.

So if you're looking for a place to start reading about Lizzie Borden, this is a great choice. Robertson writes clearly and cogently and she presents the evidence comprehensively and without bias.



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