American Heiress
American Heiress
Book Brief
480
Book • Nonfiction
California • 1970s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
American Heiress: The Wild Saga of the Kidnapping, Crimes and Trial of Patty Hearst by Jeffrey Toobin recounts the 1974 abduction of publishing heiress Patty Hearst by the Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA), an American left-wing terrorist group. After announcing her allegiance to the SLA, Hearst was seen participating in a bank robbery and other crimes. She was ultimately captured, tried, and imprisoned but later had her sentence commuted by President Jimmy Carter and was fully pardoned by President Bill Clinton. The book includes topics of sexual violence.
Informative
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Dark
Reviews & Readership
13,495 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin is praised for its meticulous research and engrossing narrative about Patty Hearst's kidnapping and radicalization. Critics admire Toobin's ability to delve into the complexities of the 1970s cultural and political landscape. However, some feel the book lacks deeper psychological insight into Hearst's transformation.
Who Should Read American Heiress?
A reader who would enjoy Jeffrey Toobin's American Heiress is likely fascinated by true crime, historical narratives, and sensational legal cases. Fans of Jon Krakauer's Under the Banner of Heaven or Erik Larson's The Devil in the White City will appreciate the well-researched and gripping storytelling in Toobin's exploration of the Patty Hearst saga.
13,495 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
American Heiress by Jeffrey Toobin dives into the infamous 1974 kidnapping of Patty Hearst, an event that captivated the nation and became a media sensation.
Jeffrey Toobin's book explores the counterculture of the 1970s, using the Hearst case to examine broader themes of social upheaval and radical politics in America.
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The book provides an in-depth look at the Symbionese Liberation Army, the radical group responsible for Hearst's kidnapping, offering insight into their motivations and beliefs.
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480
Book • Nonfiction
California • 1970s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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