Rating: 
Summary: Superb Historical Fiction
Review: This compelling fictional account of the 1924 Leopold and Loeb murder of Bobby Franks makes an excellent read. Author Meyer Levin (1905-1981) was a former classmate of the two killers, and he wrote this readable account some three decades after the crime occurred. Renaming the killers "Judd" and "Artie," the author shows how these brilliant young collegians murdered a 14-year neighbor for thrills, and to validate their warped sense of superiority as inspired by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Readers learn of the killers' pseudo-homosexual relationship, and get a detailed look at the OJ Simpson-like media trial in which famed attorney Clarence Darrow ("Jonathan Wilk") fought to save his arrogant clients from the gallows. Readers also get a strong look at abnormal psychology, plus a plausible added motive for the crime. Many suspect the author's too-sympathetic treatment of Leopold ("Judd") aided the latter's questionable 1958 parole - still, the paroled murderer sued the author over this book (but didn't win). COMPULSION is a moving novel, but you'll get a starkly realistic look from Hal Higdon's LEOPOLD AND LOEB: THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY.
Rating:
Summary: Superb Historical Fiction
Review: This compelling fictional account of the 1924 Leopold and Loeb murder of Bobby Franks makes an excellent read. Author Meyer Levin (1905-1981) was a former classmate of the two killers, and he wrote this readable account some three decades after the crime occurred. Renaming the killers "Judd" and "Artie," the author shows how these brilliant young collegians murdered a 14-year neighbor for thrills, and to validate their warped sense of superiority as inspired by philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Readers learn of the killers' pseudo-homosexual relationship, and get a detailed look at the OJ Simpson-like media trial in which famed attorney Clarence Darrow ("Jonathan Wilk") fought to save his arrogant clients from the gallows. Readers also get a strong look at abnormal psychology, plus a plausible added motive for the crime. Many suspect the author's too-sympathetic treatment of Leopold ("Judd") aided the latter's questionable 1958 parole - still, the paroled murderer sued the author over this book (but didn't win). COMPULSION is a moving novel, but you'll get a starkly realistic look from Hal Higdon's LEOPOLD AND LOEB: THE CRIME OF THE CENTURY.
Rating:
Summary: The contents of this book could come from today's headlines
Review: When I first read this book, I was immediately struck with the thought that senseless murders are nothing new. Meyer Levin has put into words what people are still asking today. Why do these things happen? He is a brilliant author and the book must be read to appreciate it's brilliance. As in the book "In Cold Blood" by Truman Capote, I could not put it down. A "must read" for those who are mystified by the genius of beautifully written books and in my opinion, Meyer Levin's book "Compulsion" fits that description.
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