'The Devil in the White City' by Erik Larson

"The Devil in the White City" by Erik Larson is a true story that takes place before, during, and after the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. It is a novel, based on real-life characters, that weaves parallel plots throughout the narrative.

Plot Summary

Officially titled "The Devil in the White City: Murder, Magic, and Madness at the Fair That Changed America," the book is a nonfiction novel that focuses on events that occurred at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago: the creation of the fair and a series of killings that occurred during the fair. In one of the plotlines, Larson describes the trials and tribulations that real-life architect Daniel Burnham encountered and had to overcome to build the fair, officially called the World's Columbian Exposition, including overcoming a recession, union strikes, late-arrive plans, construction injuries, and the death of his partner in the venture. In the end, the fair is a great success, spurred by the introduction of the Ferris wheel, constructed by George Washington Gale Ferris Jr.

Meanwhile, H. H. Holmes, a pharmacist by trade, but in reality, a conman and serial killer, buys and sets up a building just a few miles from what will become the World's Fair. Holmes sets up the building as a sort of hotel for young women. After luring the women, he kills them and then disposes of their bodies in the basement, where he keeps a kiln for the purpose. Holmes flees the city shortly after the fair closes but is arrested in 1894 in Boston on fraud charges. He eventually confesses to 27 murders but is convicted for only one—that of his business partner—and he is hanged in 1896. Holmes is considered the country's first serial killer and may have murdered as many as 200 people, which would make him the most prolific serial killer in U.S. history.

Discussion Questions

Larson's novel makes for an inspiring canvas upon which to base a rich book-club discussion—all the more so because the events it portrays are true. The questions below are designed to help inspire your group's discussion. Spoiler alert: These questions reveal important details about the story. Finish the book before reading on.

1. Why do you think Erik Larson chose to tell Burnham and Holmes' stories together? How did the juxtaposition affect the narrative? Do you think they worked well together or would you have preferred to read about just Holmes or just Burnham?
2. What did you learn about architecture? What do you think the fair contributed to the architectural landscape in the United States?
3. How did the Chicago World's Fair change Chicago? America? The world? Discuss some of the inventions and ideas that were introduced at the fair that still impact life today.
4. How was Holmes able to get away with so many murders without becoming suspect? Were you surprised by how easy it was for him to commit crimes without being caught?
5. What ultimately led to Holmes' capture and the discovery of his crime? Was this inevitable?
6. How did Holmes' hotel contrast with the buildings of the World's Fair? Can architecture reflect goodness or evil, or are buildings neutral until used?
7. How did the White City contract with Chicago, the Black City?
8. What do you think of Holmes' claim that he was the devil? Can people be inherently evil? How would you explain his strange allure and cold-hearted behavior?
9. Burnham, architect Frederick Law Olmsted, Ferris, and Holmes were all visionaries in their own ways. Discuss what drove each of these men, whether they were ever truly satisfied, and how their lives ultimately ended.
10. Rate "The Devil in the White City" on a scale of 1 to 5.