jjares reviewed The Son of Sam: Life of Serial Killer David Berkowitz (Serial Killers) on + 3289 more book reviews
Although I've read other renditions of David Berkowitz's life, I think this author tells a more nuanced life story of this serial killer. He explains David's adoption and the subsequent lies the Berkowitz's tell (in order to shelter David from the damaging info that his mother chose to give him up). In spite of the compassionate way Smith explains David's early life, he never loses sight that the heinous crimes cannot be justified by an unfortunate early life.
It amazes me that David finished his stint in the military. Living in such close quarters with so many people, I would have thought that David's depression would have been obvious. However, perhaps his religious activities convinced others that he was just trying to find himself.
It is good that David has found a life, even if it is in prison. He obviously needs others to take care of him and he needs structure. From reading this book, it is obvious that David will remain there for the rest of his life. That is only fair for all of the misery and heartache he has caused. This author also brings up the possibility that David had help. As he states, it really doesn't matter because those people are dead and/or maimed. But it raises interesting possibilities. David was obviously emotionally immature and impressionable, so he would be just the type to be led by others. I wonder if we will ever know the truth?
It amazes me that David finished his stint in the military. Living in such close quarters with so many people, I would have thought that David's depression would have been obvious. However, perhaps his religious activities convinced others that he was just trying to find himself.
It is good that David has found a life, even if it is in prison. He obviously needs others to take care of him and he needs structure. From reading this book, it is obvious that David will remain there for the rest of his life. That is only fair for all of the misery and heartache he has caused. This author also brings up the possibility that David had help. As he states, it really doesn't matter because those people are dead and/or maimed. But it raises interesting possibilities. David was obviously emotionally immature and impressionable, so he would be just the type to be led by others. I wonder if we will ever know the truth?
