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Book Review of The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir

The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir
reviewed on + 379 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


This is a riveting examination of the aftermath of the murder of a 7-year old boy by a known pedophile, Ricky Langley. His first trial sentenced him to death, and two more trials reduced it to life in prison. The author of this true crime/memoir is Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich, an attorney who began an internship in Louisiana to defend men accused of murder. She was also a staunch opponent of the death penalty. This is her journey into Ricky's past and her own.

During the course of her investigation into Ricky's case and his past, she begins to face the darkest corners of her own childhood. The story of what led to Ricky's horrific acts is a counterpoint to her own attempts to come to terms with a profound betrayal by the very people who should have kept her safe. It is a fascinating examination of facts that shed light on unspeakable truths and the nature of evil through a unique combination of true crime and memoir. This book is truly deserving of a rare 5-star rating.