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Book Review: Compulsion by Meyer Levin

Compulsion: A Novel by Meyer Levin

Fig Tree Books, 2015 (Originally Simon & Schuster, 1956)

ISBN-13: 978-1941493021

Available: Pre-order paperback (April, 2015)

 

There is a fine line between horror fiction and the fictionalized true crime novel.

 

Meyer Levin’s Compulsion is considered the founding classic of the genre of the fictionalized true crime novel, popularized by Truman Capote’s In Cold Blood. The events contained in Compulsion are based on a real case, thinly veiled into novel form, with names changed to protect the not-so-innocent. The source of the horror is in the minds of the two successful college students who murder a child, simply as an intellectual exercise.

 

This new reprint of the 1956 novel shows its age from time to time. It is based on the case of Leopold and Loeb, which took place in 1924 Chicago, and was considered the crime of the century at the time. Levin was a contemporary of the accused, and based this novel on his experience of following the real case.

 

Some of the most interesting aspects of the novel involve the Chicago Jewish community’s reaction to the crime. The community demanded justice, but there was a lot of fear of anti-Semitic backlash. I suspect that is why a new publisher of Jewish fiction, Fig Tree, has chosen this as its first release.

 

As a novel, this work feels like the works of Grisham and Turow– most of it is courtroom thriller. Although I felt that the book was drawn out longer than it needed to be, it is a compelling account, and I can see why it is considered a classic.

 

Libraries, especially in communities with large Jewish populations, will find this book essential. I am interested to see what this publisher does next. Highly recommended.

 

Reviewed by David Agranoff

Book Review: Myths and Legends: King Arthur by Daniel Mersey

King Arthur (Myths and Legends) by Daniel Mersey

Osprey Publishing, 2013

ISBN: 1780967233

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition, library binding

 

Osprey’s King Arthur is an ambitious undertaking. Attempting to synthesize the Arthurian mythos in 80 pages is no easy task, but Mersey does a fantastic job of hitting all the major beats. Lavishly illustrated, this is a book perfect for the young or young at heart, and properly evokes the mystery and majesty of one of Britain’s most compelling and enduring myths.

Mersey is able to capture the stylistic essence of classic Arthurian storytellers such as Geoffrey of Monmouth and Sir Thomas Malory, yet he leaves room to delve into the various theories regarding Arthur’s historical existence as well as the influences the legend has had on pop culture.

This is a positively wonderful book, both as a reference and as an enjoyable, exhilarating read; a perfect and necessary edition to the library of anyone who has an interest in the Arthurian legacy.

Highly Recommended for all ages.

Reviewed by Bob Freeman

 

Editor’s Note for Librarians: This book is part of the fantastic Myths and Legends series from Osprey. The books in the series cover some myths and legends that you won’t find covered in detail for the layperson anywhere else. An example of that is their book Jason and the Argonauts (reviewed here) There’s almost nothing out there unless you want to read the original or a children’s version, and this fills that gap. Many of them would be great reference material. I want to say that this series was a huge gamble for Osprey, and they are hoping that libraries will appreciate the books in this series. Without more of an audience, this beautiful and well-researched series likely will not continue. Please take time to take a look at these books– I don’t think you will be disappointed!

Book Review: 100 Bullets: Brother Lono by Brian Azzarello, illustrated by Eduardo Risso

100 Bullets: Brother Lono by Brian Azzarello, illustrated by Eduardo Risso

Publisher: DC/Vertigo, 2014

ISBN: 1401245064

Available: Paperback, Kindle edition

Harsh. Violent. Brutal. Unforgiving. Azzarello returns to 100 Bullets, revisiting Lono, a ruthless killer, whom we discover has found God in a Mexican orphanage. Lono’s still got some bite however, so whenever he feels the old violent urges coming on, he has himself locked up by the local authorities. Trouble comes by way of a drug cartel that sets its eyes on the church’s undeveloped land. Unfortunately, this gives Brother Lono the go-ahead to let his demons out to play.

Azzarello is a master of street-level dialogue and kinetic pacing, while Risso’s art invokes elements of crime noir and a Sergio Leone western. and colorist Patricia Mulvihill’s palette sets the mood wonderfully, a perfect compliment to Risso’s exotic line work. Recommended for adulst

Contains: sexual content, profanity, and extensive visual graphic violence.

Reviewed by Bob Freeman