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This was a compelling, fascinating book of non-fiction that reads like an I-can't-put-it-down novel. I read it in one sitting. It is not only the story of the famed "boy murderer," but also a vivid exploration of America's views on child labor, juvenile treatment under the law and the callous attitude of society toward children (especially the poor ones) at the end of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Anton's conviction and prison years under a brutal system of law seem to us to be unbelievable, pathetic and horrifying. The heartless exploitation of almost-free child labor at that time (to keep production costs low) calls to mind the analogous situation in China today, where women and young children are similarly used in order to keep costs low. In all, this book is an objective, non-judgemental look at social mores of the time, as well as the intriging story of an ill-used boy.Read full review
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