Reviews

The Basement: Meditations on a Human Sacrifice: With a New Introduction by Kate Millett

theboldbookworm's review against another edition

4.0

This is a book about the Sylvia Likens case. This book is interesting in that it's part fact, part fiction. The factual part comes mostly from court transcripts as well as some articles that were written about the case. The fiction part comes from the author writing what she thought some of the key players, mostly Sylvia, Gertrude, and Paula were thinking during the entire time from the beginning up to Sylvia's death. If you are interested in the case, this book is worth reading. I will warn you, it is very disturbing as well as heartbreaking.

mythyagain's review

2.0

When I first read this in 1985 I thought it was fantastic. Later after reading more about the case I realized that Kate Millet had been creative with her portrayal of some of the "characters" and the "facts" surrounding the case.

brancrisp's review

challenging dark sad tense medium-paced

4.0

cnidariar3x's review

3.0

Still the most upsetting book I've ever read.

banxehe's review

challenging dark reflective medium-paced

3.0

The nonfiction retelling of the crime is so resonant it almost makes the rest of the book feel less voyeuristic. Almost.

theboldbookworm's review

4.0

This is a book about the Sylvia Likens case. This book is interesting in that it's part fact, part fiction. The factual part comes mostly from court transcripts as well as some articles that were written about the case. The fiction part comes from the author writing what she thought some of the key players, mostly Sylvia, Gertrude, and Paula were thinking during the entire time from the beginning up to Sylvia's death. If you are interested in the case, this book is worth reading. I will warn you, it is very disturbing as well as heartbreaking.