The Trial of Lizzie Borden

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Pub Date Mar 12 2019 | Archive Date Jan 12 2024

Description

WINNER OF THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY BOOK AWARD

In Cara Robertson’s “enthralling new book,” The Trial of Lizzie Borden, “the reader is to serve as judge and jury” (The New York Times). Based on twenty years of research and recently unearthed evidence, this true crime and legal history is the “definitive account to date of one of America’s most notorious and enduring murder mysteries” (Publishers Weekly, starred review).

When Andrew and Abby Borden were brutally hacked to death in Fall River, Massachusetts, in August 1892, the arrest of the couple’s younger daughter Lizzie turned the case into international news and her murder trial into a spectacle unparalleled in American history. Reporters flocked to the scene. Well-known columnists took up conspicuous seats in the courtroom. The defendant was relentlessly scrutinized for signs of guilt or innocence. Everyone—rich and poor, suffragists and social conservatives, legal scholars, and laypeople—had an opinion about Lizzie Borden’s guilt or innocence. Was she a cold-blooded murderess or an unjustly persecuted lady? Did she or didn’t she?

An essential piece of American mythology, the popular fascination with the Borden murders has endured for more than one hundred years. Told and retold in every conceivable genre, the murders have secured a place in the American pantheon of mythic horror. In contrast, “Cara Robertson presents the story with the thoroughness one expects from an attorney…Fans of crime novels will love it” (Kirkus Reviews). Based on transcripts of the Borden legal proceedings, contemporary newspaper accounts, unpublished local accounts, and recently unearthed letters from Lizzie herself, The Trial of Lizzie Borden is “a fast-paced, page-turning read” (Booklist, starred review) that offers a window into America in the Gilded Age. This “remarkable” (Bustle) book “should be at the top of your reading list” (PopSugar).
WINNER OF THE NEW ENGLAND SOCIETY BOOK AWARD

In Cara Robertson’s “enthralling new book,” The Trial of Lizzie Borden, “the reader is to serve as judge and jury” (The New York Times). Based on twenty...

Available Editions

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ISBN 9781501168376
PRICE $28.00 (USD)
PAGES 384

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Featured Reviews

This was a fascinating book about the trial of Lizzie Borden. It was accompanied by many photos, of not only people, but places of prominence related to these events. This allowed the reader to have an overall and comprehensive understanding of the life and times of Lizzie Borden.
Cara Robertson also provided the reader with a well researched and very detailed account of the trial, as well as newspaper reporters’ perspective, especially on Lizzie Borden’s demeanor throughout the trial. For example, during the prosecutor’s opening statement, Moody slowly and dramatically produced a bag that contained the skulls of Lizzie Borden’s father and stepmother. Naturally, Lizzie fainted. Yet, the next day headlines were not about the prosecutor’s antics, but how Lizzie exhibited her feminine side by fainting. This was the culture and mindset of the times. The author effectively placed the reader in this mindset throughout the book in order to experience the total enigma that was Lizzie Borden and a crime committed 126 years ago. Overall, this was a well written, engaging read.

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I won't be able to review this one, alas, as the review copy is not compatible with Kindle. (I have vision problems and need the adjustable font size.) Since requesting a book and not reviewing it hurts my average, I feel compelled to let it be known that Kindle-compatible review copies are important, and I hope the publisher will take that into consideration.

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Lizzie Borden had an axe.
She gave her mother 40 whacks.
When she saw what she had done,
she gave her father 41.

Everyone knows the famous rhyme about about the infamous Lizzie Borden. But was she the killer of her stepmother and father or was it someone else?
This book explains all the facts of the murder, investigation, and trial. It lays out the whole case methodically and in depth. You can tell that Cara Robinson put a lot of effort into researching this case before putting it in paper, not a detail is missed.
Since it is just the facts without opinions or embellishments, the book tends to sometimes feels like a textbook. However, it is a good book to read because it examines all aspects of the case and leaves the readers to make up their own minds about Lizzie's guilt or innocence.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy of the book.

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This was a fascinating account of the Borden murders and Lizzie Borden's trial. I learned a lot of information and it was easy and enjoyable to read. Definitely will recommend to true crime fans!

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First of all, I would like to thank Netgalley and Simon & Schuster for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of The Trial of Lizzie Borden by Cara Robertson!

Robertson is a lawyer and after studying up on the Lizzie Borden case during her senior year at Harvard, this is her first book. I have always been fascinated by the Lizzie Borden case so I had to request this book immediately when I found it.

Even though I’ve read several books on Lizzie and am aware of the finer details of her life and the case, this book was such a great look into the trial - especially through the eyes of a lawyer. Personally, I would love more books such as this from Robertson. More true crime, specifically, unsolved cases.

Lizzie Borden allegedly murdered her father and stepmother with an axe in Fall River, Massachusetts in 1892. Whether or not she is at fault is still a question that remains unsolved. There were so many strange circumstances, however, so one can’t help but question did Lizzie get away with murder?

I love the way Robertson broke up the book into parts. Dividing up information on the murder, the trial, and then the verdict/aftermath. It was no surprise when reading about the trial, that this was written by a lawyer. Such a wonderful learning experience and it was written in a way that really put you in the scene.

I honestly feel like I could go on and on about this book considering my interest in the topic and with the book being such an enjoyable reading experience. Definitely would recommend this book to all interested in the case of Lizzie Borden!

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Can’t open this one in the current format. Still looking forward to picking it up in stores though because it sounds fascinating and I love Simon & Schuster books typically.

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