Incredible and shocking indictment of human behaviour

A balanced true story which examines both the truths and myths behind human behaviour in the face of the perceived threats of ordinary individuals to potential disruptions in their cosy, comfortable lives even when it means that the life of one woman is horribly and inexorably lost by their personal inaction. The most frightening and recurring theme throughout this marvellous book is that ‘Apathy’ (c.f. not wanting to be involved) - the word so often repeated in this story - is as prevalent today in 2022 as it was in March 1964.

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Thought-provoking and disturbing.

Subtitled: A True Account of a Public Murder and its Private Consequences this is the story of the horrific murder of Kitty Genovese on the street where she lived in Queens, New York in 1964. What proved more horrifying however, was the number of witnesses to her screams during the prolonged attacks and the fact that none of them bothered to call the police or tried to help her. Using in-depth research, police records, court documents and newspaper reports, Catherine Pelonero reveals the backgrounds to both Kitty Genovese and her killer, Winston Moseley and the aftermath of the murder and its effects on the community where Kitty lived.

I hadn’t heard of this case before, so the details were all new to me. Aside from the shocking murder of a young woman, the response of her neighbours in their apartments across the street provoked outrage at the time and eventually led to the setting up of a single telephone number people could use to call the police. The details of the murder are gory to say the least and may be off-putting to some readers. The author does a sterling job of retelling the story, though she does repeat herself a few times - maybe understandable considering the many witness statements and subsequent interviews of those involved. The book is a fascinating and disturbing account of how individuals can turn away from those in need – a fact that is still prevalent today.

Thought-provoking and disturbing.

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Fascinating but very disturbing

Oh my. Whether you believe the hype or not, so may people failed to act when this young woman was attacked . A fascinating insight into the depth of human frailty .

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2 people found this helpful

Great book, chilling story.

A story I heard long ago and a very sad indictment of humanity. A must read.

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Incredibly moving and brilliant

This is a marvellous book and one of the best that I have encountered. It moved me to tears recounting the horrific slow painful death and murder of this exceptional young woman. I have never heard of this case before. If people had only acted quickly and telephoned the police they no doubt, could have saved her life. Kitty's so called cowardly friend opening his door and closing it again knowing that something was going on at the end of the stairs and doing nothing!!!. Not to mention the so called 38 witnesses who ignored her cries and pleas for help. It beggars belief. It is inexcusable what happened and beyond my and other people's comprehension I'm sure. I can't help thinking if she had stayed on the street perhaps someone would have come to her aid. Ghastly what happened later. Utterly moving and sad. The narrator Dina Pearlman was just brilliant with her New York accent and told the story with so much conviction. A narrator's voice is so very important for the enjoyment of listening in audio. Rosanthal was exceptional in his pursuit of this case. Thank you Catherine Polenero for writing this exceptional book. May Kitty never be forgotten RIP. I could barely stop listening. Highly recommended. (Jacinta -Audible member)

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Excellent writing within the genre

The author has obviously done extensive research in order to bring the details of the events and human acts that comprise the story of Kitty Genovese’s murder in the 1960’s. I was impressed that the telling did not sound either like rote reportage nor like a novel, yet it kept me hooked through to the end. What a gift that in her earnest narration, Pelonero manages to keep alive the truth of what occurred back them in an era of subjectivity and alternative histories.

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Absolutely fascinating!

Takes you right through the characters of the people in the book from beginning to end and throws up some very interesting questions about human nature. Absolutely fascinating story and well told by the narrator, couldn’t put it down. A must read!

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Too much fluff

A detailed account of the case. I felt there was way too much insignificant detail on stuff that wasn't essential to the overall book. That cynically, I felt, was there to bulk up the page count. Some may appreciate the minute detail; I just thought it was a waste of time.

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Great 1st half

been looking for something on this murder for years. really great first half. lots of info and good narrator. it then splits to part too which I'm struggling to get through. it's literally, no exaggeration, a near full repeat of part 1. it's so tedious. we find out everything we need to in part one and I'm struggling to even see a need for part two. shame because it detracts from the book and disappoints. not sure I can finish it. recommended for sure but be prepared for a poor second half.

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Too much repetition

An interesting story that probably did become exaggerated by the press but nevertheless was an appalling tragedy which may well have been prevented had some of the eye/ear witnesses contacted the police. The details of this book, however, irritated me by the constant repetition. I am sure that the events could have been much better portrayed without the same comments and explanations being told over and over. A very sad story.

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