Bright Young Women
By Jessica Knoll
Gruesome and chilling at times, particularly given that it's largely based on real crimes. The insightful part is the way author incorporates evidence of how misogyny/patriarchy in the rest of society almost lionizes the criminal while the victims' stories languish.
After all, Bundy was just a "bright young man"... shame it has come to this...
"Take care of yourself, young man. I say that to you sincerely; take care of yourself. It is an utter tragedy for this court to see such a total waste of humanity, I think, as I've experienced in this courtroom.
You're a bright young man. You'd have made a good lawyer and I would have loved to have you practice in front of me, but you went another way, partner. I don't feel any animosity toward you. I want you to know that. Once again, take care of yourself. "
THIS CAME FROM THE ACTUAL JUDGE IN THE REAL TRIAL OF A RUTHLESS SERIAL KILLER. ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!
The author also pushes back on the mythos that the victims were just sooo charmed by this handsome fellow that they essentially just walked with him to their deaths. She gives voices to those victims in this re-telling to correct the record. They didn't fall for his good looks. They felt sorry for him.
For me, it was a good reminder in pushing back on the responsibility that women often carry to be caretakers and soothers and polite. We actually don't owe men a damn thing.
Tags:
true-ish misogyny serial killer pacific northwest violence sexual violence400 pages
Published Aug 5, 2024 by S&s/ Marysue Rucci Books
Fiction - Thrillers - Crime
Fiction - Thrillers - Suspense
Fiction - Women