The Red Parts cover art

The Red Parts

Autobiography of a Trial

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The Red Parts

By: Maggie Nelson
Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell
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About this listen

A chilling genre-busting memoir by a major American essayist

Late in 2004, Maggie Nelson was looking forward to the publication of her book, Jane: A Murder, a narrative in verse about the life and death of her aunt, who had been murdered 35 years before. The case remained unsolved, but Jane was assumed to have been the victim of an infamous serial killer in Michigan in 1969.

Then, one November afternoon, Nelson received a call from her mother, who announced that the case had been reopened; a new suspect would be arrested and tried on the basis of a DNA match. Over the months that followed, Nelson found herself attending the trial with her mother and reflecting anew on the aura of dread and fear that hung over her family and childhood - an aura that derived not only from the terrible facts of her aunt's murder but also from her own complicated journey through sisterhood, daughterhood, and girlhood.

The Red Parts is a memoir, an account of a trial, and a provocative essay that interrogates the American obsession with violence and missing white women and that scrupulously explores the nature of grief, justice, and empathy.

©2007 Maggie Nelson. Preface to the paperback edition © 2016 by Maggie Nelson (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Crime Murder True Crime Memoir Biography

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All stars
Most relevant
The author’s journey and emotions feel so authentic, shared with such vulnerability.

The story of the trial is an interesting backdrop.

Wow

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Everything I've read of Maggie Nelson's has moved me and made me think, and The Red Parts is no different. It's both a true crime book, and not; a memoir, and not - because Maggie Nelson's work is impossible to squeeze into a specific genre. Nelson's writing requires the reader (or listener) to think harder, think beyond the parameters of how they might have previously narrowly thought; the effort required is both satisfying and rewarding.

The narration here was excellent and perfectly suited to the writing.

Incredible

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No idea what the previous reviewer (Amanda) was going on about. This is a remarkable book - insightful, daring, brilliantly weaved. Maggie Nelson’s writing is to be marvelled at.

A rare, bold & brilliant female voice.

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Maggie can write. She is brutally and breathtakingly open and honest in her writing. She could probably make a trip to the shop to get milk sound beautiful, raw, poetic, just as she has done here. I could read/listen to her musings all day.
However I just don't really get this book. What is it trying to say? Who is it saying it to?

The Red Parts

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Provoking, exploratory writing! Absolutely loved it from start to end.
Not many books make me digest the words and really the No about the true meaning.

Really glad I came across this one.

Exceptional.

Wow! 1 sitting!!

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