Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Free by Amanda Knox is a powerful, raw, and deeply personal memoir that goes beyond the headlines to reveal the human story behind one of the most infamous wrongful convictions in modern history. Knox writes with honesty and introspection, detailing not only her time in prison but also the emotional toll of being vilified by the media.

Her resilience and self-reflection shine through, making this a compelling read for anyone interested in justice, media ethics, or personal redemption. A gripping and eye-opening memoir that stays with you long after the last page.

Thank you NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Important and complex story of someone we've heard so much about. It's valuable to read this story from Amanda's perspective. She provides thoughtful reflection on her experience and the book makes you think about media, justice, and coming into adulthood. Will definitely recommend, especially to readers old enough to have read her story and form an opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Great read, really enjoyed hearing all about life when she got home and all the trials and tribulations that follow. Very well done!

Was this review helpful?

I judged Amanda Knox back when this all happened. I remember the cartwheel in the interrogation room. I remember her kissing Raffael outside. I was young, too. I didn’t even realize my judgement until I read her first book. This one was even better. Way to go Amanda. Your words taught me how easily I am to judge. I’ll work on that going forward! I hope you have the beautiful life you deserve! Be free!

Was this review helpful?

As a consumer of true crime, I had heard of Amanda Knox but I had no idea what she had gone through. This was such a well-written, introspective, inspiring memoir.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an ARC of this e-book

Was this review helpful?

Free: My Search for Meaning by Amanda Knox is a compelling exploration of self-growth and resilience in the face of intense public scrutiny. Knox’s journey of reclaiming her life is an inspiring testament to personal strength and perseverance. She demonstrates remarkable courage in her ongoing efforts to advocate against injustice and wrongful accusations despite the lingering doubts of many.

Was this review helpful?

I followed this case closely as it was happening, and was very interested to read this second book from Knox’s perspective. It was interested to read her view of how she was treated aboard and at home, and how she is coping in the aftermath. I feel for her after all that she has gone through. I enjoyed the book, even if the writing wasn’t spectacular. The subject matter was very engaging.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you for the opportunity to read this advanced copy! I've followed Amanda's story ever since the beginning and have found her poise and voice to be amazing. I loved reading her stories and can't wait to recommend this widely!

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to get this ARC from NetGalley and Grand Central Publishing because I follow true crime. What went from a curiosity in the Merideth Kercher case turned into an inspiring memoir that applies to my own life. Coincidentally, Amanda’s story of trauma and resiliency felt inspiring during a time that I’m also fighting false allegations. Thankfully, not as extreme as Amanda’s allegations, but I was able to take away her overall message.

Was this review helpful?

Okay, so I'm a True Crime addict. I binge each new Netflix true crime docuseries, take notes during each episode of Dateline, the whole shebang. When I saw I could get an ARC of Amanda Knox's "Free," I jumped. The Meredith Kercher case was an international media circus when it happened. I was living abroad at the time and I couldn't escape the headlines, even if I had tried.

I didn’t follow the details closely at the time, but the whole "she was convicted because she didn't look and/or act how an innocent person is supposed to" thing always stuck with me.

A big chunk of "Free" focuses on Knox's correspondence with the prosecutor, Dr. Guiliano Mignini. She basically paints him as Inspector Javert from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, relentlessly hounding her. She's desperate for him to admit he was wrong, to say she's innocent. Honestly, their back-and-forth just felt... unresolved. Like she's still trying to make him see her side.

And here's the thing: I really wanted to like this book. I went in rooting for Amanda. But, man, it was a slog. I found it surprisingly dull, and I just couldn't connect with Knox's voice. I forced myself to finish it, hoping for some kind of satisfying resolution, but it just wasn't there for me.

Honestly, I think I need to reread Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" now. That's a book about finding purpose in suffering, and it's actually, you know, well-written.

Which brings me to my biggest issue: the writing in "Free" is just... not good. I don't know if Knox wrote it all herself, if there was a ghostwriter involved, or if it's a collaboration with ChatGPT, but it feels clunky and unengaging.

Look, no one can truly know what Amanda Knox went through. Years stolen, reputation destroyed, still guilty in the court of public opinion despite being acquitted. It's a horrific situation.

I genuinely hope she finds peace and can live a happy life away from the spotlight. But as a book? "Free" just didn't do it for me.

Disclaimer: I received a free advanced reader copy (ARC) of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. This review reflects my personal and independent opinion.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for gifting me an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This is Knox's second book, and I also read her first. The story in totality has always fascinated me because it wasn't truly *that* long ago, and yet it's insane to think that something like this could happen to someone in the day and age where we have every technology at our fingertips to catch criminals. Amanda's situation is truly a story like no other and if you have any preconceived notions about what really happened, I strongly encourage you to read her first book before you pick this one up.

This book focuses a lot more on both her time in prison as well as what her life has been like following the entire ordeal. Her reflections on her past and what she has been through, and how it shapes her attitude toward the future, is very powerful and thought-provoking. Her education and power of the pen are ever present throughout the book, which made it for a very compulsive read. I thought there were maybe some questionable opinions and thoughts around the Italian prosecutor but I also completely understand why she chose to say what she did in the book. I think for any non-fiction or true crime reader, this one is a home run.

Was this review helpful?

I knew of Amanda's case and watched some of the movies, but was excited to pick up her story. I enjoyed learning more about her side and there were some interesting details left out of the news. I don't think it was groundbreaking or any hot new details, but it was a good story.

Was this review helpful?

This one was a hard book to read. I was an American student in Italy when Amanda was going through this nightmare, so as soon as I got home, I was tuned to all the news trying to get the latest on the trial. So being able to read this second book by Amanda was quite an interesting and at times intense read. Hearing about how poorly she was treated not just in Italy but also back home was absolutely heartbreaking. I can't imagine what it is like to never be able to truly be able to move on from something like this. Overall, this was a great but heartbreaking book. For all of you true crime enthusiasts, this first-hand re-telling is a must.

Was this review helpful?

I don't often read non-fiction books or memoirs but I was really interested in reading this book. This was an interesting read! I enjoyed it and I look forward to reading more books in this genre.

Was this review helpful?

I mean I will always love a memoir. I love learning of others experiences and this one was no different! well done, both emotional and informational. the perfect recap of everything that happened and closure she is so desperately seeking.

Was this review helpful?

Amanda Knox may be extremely eccentric and odd, but she is also well read and very well educated. This memoir is thoughtful, thought provoking, heartbreaking, and courageous.

Was this review helpful?

Went into this knowing absolutely nothing about Amanda Knox. Came out of it understanding why her story has captured the nation, or rather several nations. Interesting to hear things unravel from her perspective for the first time. Would recommend to true crime fans.

Was this review helpful?

WOW! This book was a complete honest, and brave story. Amanda Knox, writing was absolutely incredible. She was able to paint such a picture that I felt like I was experiencing this with her. The way she was able to forgive others, and stay strong in life is such a key to her character. I thought I knew the story, but so much more I had no idea. I would love to read more by her, and her new life.

Was this review helpful?

I had watched the Netflix documentary and seen the dramatized version. I knew her name and knew about what happened. It was very interesting and moving to read her story from her point of view. Hard to read at times because we can easily put ourselves in her shoes. But her writing is very strong and she seems like a very interesting person to know.

Was this review helpful?

Free By Amanda Knox
To be published March 25th 2025

"Nothing I would ever do or say would cut that noose from my neck." And yet this memoir will take you on the path of how Amanda did just that.

Everyone may think they know the story. And to a degree we do! But we do not know the truth or the impacts. Only Amanda and those directly involved know that. And this is her chance to share both.

Not only did I cry reading this book. I felt a sense of thankfulness and healing too.
Amanda explains that's not everyone had been falsely imprisoned, but those who have traumas can still have common emotions.

While reading this, you will be taken into the interrogation room when she's about to be arrested, to court, to America finally free, back to accused, and you will get to hear about the private meeting of Amanda with Guilano Gignini.

I read this book with my newborn my side and my heart broke for Amanda parents. "What do you make of the fact that someone hates you, wishes you dead, or wishes your mother dead because she raised you?"

Each chapter was an eye opening read that was written in bite sizable chapters written in a way that still made it fun to read, despite the conversation being had on the page.
Well done, Amanda

Was this review helpful?