Benjamin Feldman

Meticulously researched account of a sensational murder and subsequent trial in mid-19th Century New York City. The author provides copious (and prolix) end notes on sources, supporting the book as a work of serious history. In the narrative, Feldman doesn’t let that get in the way of telling a good story. He’s structured the work to give it some suspense, and gives no hint of the surprise twist in plot at the end. I think he goes a little too far in telling us what people are thinking and in re-creating conversations for non-fiction. There are a couple grating anachronisms in language: no one in 1857 referred to “Ms. Somebody.” Overall, a fascinating book, but it could have used the services of a professional editor to tighten it up a bit.… (más)