Customer Reviews

Reversal of Fortune : Inside the Von Bulow Case

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Those who remember the Von Bulow trial will remember the strong arguments for and against his guilt, but even if you have never heard of him, you should read this book. Dershowitz lays out the case from beginng to end. Its best asset is a clear and concise presentation that tells the story well without wasting words. As we learn the story we are taught about legal procedures and the strategy lawyers use to win cases. Dershowitz is very realistic about the law and is very honest about the system. The book was an entertaining education.

A true to life story involving the Rhode Island couple Martha "Sunny" von Bülow and her husband Claus von Bülow whowas accused of injecting her with insulin, sending her straight into a coma. We were made to understand that Claus did this so that he could marry his mistress Alexandra Isles; a soap opera actress.

But in this worth while reading book by Alan M. Dershowitz, Claus final attorney, new evidence is introduced which is quite surprising as this case's conclusion take on a different twist. Most of the things that were hidden from the jury and the state are now brought to light; mouths that were clamped shut are opened now, and people who did not have a thing to do or say in the first trial are coming out of the woodwork.

Reversal of Fortune is filled with photographs which will enlighten you as to who is who in this family and those who helped with the case.
This book is a must for those who like true crime; as it promises to be very entertaining and makes for interesting reading.
PS....to this day August 31st 2003, Sunny von Bülow still lies in a coma.

This book rates highly for two reasons. One is that it presents the Von Bulow case, from the first trial to the appellate process to the not guilty verdict with an excitingly clear point of view. Dershowitz makes no attempt to hide his own awe and sometimes disdain of the life of the Newport rich. This first hand view is as honest a look at the case as it is the Rhode Island justice system. This is the second reason. I am neither from the US nor a lawyer and I was never lost for a minute. Dershowitz must be a treat to his students, as he is to his readers who only know about the Von Bulow trials from what they saw on television. His style of writing is simple and explanatory without being heavy-handed. All the excitement about the entire case is brought to vivid life and what's more, he is in the almost unique position to know, and reveal, incidents that were unable to be released to the public during the second trial. Amazing incidents are recounted with simpilcity that do not detract from their fantastic nature. Often, I wondered if I was reading a piece of fiction. But the author never lets you think that for long. His own frustrations, caution, humour, tensions and thrills are all felt by the reader as if he were a close observer. Despite his brutally honest tone, he makes a human being of Claus von Bulow, almost a likeable man, dreadfully afraid for his life and not his reputation. Von Bulow's attitude, actions and demenaour not only wins over Dershowitz, but the reader as well. His vulnerablity is treated with courtesy by Dershowitz, whose own personality is revealed without large doses of ego. He never forgets to thank his assistants (some of which are his own students) for their contributions. Never does the author allow legalese to cloud the book, instead he tells a good, clear story that can work for the reader looking for a good book to curl up with or the law student wanting to read a good case study without falling asleep over boring writing.

Before more spectacular criminal trials, such as that of OJ Simpson, captured the nation's emotions, the von Bulow case was the criminal case on which more conflicting opinions were launched than on even really important matters of national interest. Dershowitz has his own opinions obviously (doesn't he always?), but here he is remarkably evenhanded, even though he is, was and remains the appellate advocate in the von Bulow case.
His narrative of the events, personalities and relationships in the case is very illuminating and relevant. If one is still interested in this old case, this book should be read. If one has strong opinions on the case, this book must be read.

One of the best written, most interesting books I have ever read. So different from the watered down-hollywoodized movie version. 5 Stars for Mr. Dershowitz. No matter what your view towards this case, it is worth reading.

I expected to read a thriller, it was even more intriguing.
Years have passed but the case is still involving and the mystery has not been solved. Anyway I believe in Claus von Bulow's innocence.

Excellent book covering in a readable style the drama and pressures of a high powered murder case. The pity is that Dershowitz did not do the retrial but he explains teaching came first. Elliot Spitzer of other fame helped in the appeal.

MediaWerk...Should call himself MediaJERK. Some of his items are dropshipped from a third party and take almost a month to receive. Some items are never shipped. Regardless, he will not answer your emails. He loads his own feedback rating with false positives. He needs to be removed from Amazon. This is why I always hesitated buying from an individual.