12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Disturbing, December 31, 2006
This review is from: Cannibal: The True Story of the Maneater of Rotenburg (Mass Market Paperback)
As a veteran of many true crime books, this may be the most disturbing one that I have read. While the body count of Armin Meiwes stands at one, the nature of his crime is shocking. The existance of cannibals is nothing new to society. The fact that the victim volunteered for purposes of personal pleasure puts cannibalism into a new perpective.
The crime of Armin Meiwes would not have been possible without the internet and the wide range of sites and chatrooms for cannibals. While many on these sites are posturing, Meiwes was serious as was the man that volunteered to be his victim. Growing up in the village that was home to the Brothers Grimm may have factored into desires that took root in Meiwes early in his life. He began practicing on dolls until the overwhelming desire led him to a real act.
German law could not convict Meiwes of any crime worse than manslaughter. Because the victim was voluntary, the worst possible penalty could not be distributed. In a seemingly more absurd circumstance, Germany has no law against cannibalism.
With quick chapters and quick pace, this book was tough to put down. Lois Jones proves to be a quality writer in this first offering. Having read so many true crime books, this is easily one of the most disturing. If you have a strong stomach as many scenes are quite graphic, I would highly recommend this book.
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9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A "Must Read", February 1, 2006
This review is from: Cannibal: The True Story of the Maneater of Rotenburg (Mass Market Paperback)
This book was creepy, yes; but a more accurate discription would be "disturbing". To think that all of this actually happened is almost unbelievable. I didn't even realize, for one thing, there are cannibalism websites, as mentioned in the book, that people actually post that they want to be eaten. It is an upsetting story that is not for the squeamish. It was strange enough, in fact, that I threw it in a dumpster immediately after I read it, because I didn't want it in my house where my young teenage boys might get ahold of it. I am buying another copy because after telling my mother-in-law about it, she wants to read the book.
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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
great book, January 6, 2005
This review is from: Cannibal: The True Story of the Maneater of Rotenburg (Mass Market Paperback)
This boook is by far the most detailed book on a cannibal that I have read so far. There were times when I had got a bit grossed out and it takes a lot to gross me out. I liked how the book talked about his childhood but didn't talk to much about it like other books on cannibals and serial killer I have read. I like how the author doesn't try to make him sound like something he's not she just gives you the facts. I can't believe that someone would want to become dinner. This book will change the way you look at meat with comments like " Berns's sexual organ looked like a stick of salami". This was the first book written by this author and I have to give her props for writing such a good book.
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