“A great read and a fascinating retelling of a long-forgotten murder, that still resonates to this very day… for anybody interested in the history of the Silk City!” –Mark S. Auerbach, City Historian, Passaic, New JerseyAt the dawn of the 20th century, the social unrest in Paterson, New Jersey was palpable. Thousands of Dutch and Italian immigrants flocked to the city, hoping for a job in … the city, hoping for a job in Paterson’s famous silk mills. The burgeoning population ushered women into the workplace, grew suffragist sympathies, and produced an anarchist movement.
In this charged environment, Jennie Bosschieter, a 17-year-old Dutch immigrant and mill worker, was murdered. Sorrow turned to shock when four wealthy, influential citizens were accused of killing her. The resulting criminal trial held the city – and eventually the nation – transfixed.
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I grew up in an adjoining town where this took place and still live nearby. I was familiar with the locations, names, etc. referenced in the book. Though it happened even before my parent’s births, I found it fascinating. It may not, however, have the same effect on readers out of state.
Didn’t care for it. Very draggy.
Very interesting true tale about two brothers in Victorian England who did some very bad and very odd things in their young lives. If you like true crime and set in other times give this a read!