Who is the author of 'Furious Hours'?

The author of 'Furious Hours' is Casey Cep.

What are the main themes in 'Furious Hours'?

The main themes in 'Furious Hours' include Biographies of Historical Figures, Biography, Social Commentary.

What genre is 'Furious Hours'?

'Furious Hours' is categorized as Biography.

What is the main focus of the book 'Furious Hours'?

The main focus of 'Furious Hours' by Casey Cep is the true crime story surrounding the 1970 murder trial of Reverend Willie Maxwell, who was accused of killing several family members for insurance money. The book also delves into the life of Maxwell and the investigations surrounding the trial, while weaving in the life and writings of Harper Lee, who was inspired to write a book about the case but never completed it. The narrative explores themes of justice, racial dynamics, and the complexities of the American South.

Who was the author of 'Furious Hours' and what is their background?

The author of 'Furious Hours' is Casey Cep. She is an American writer and journalist, known for her work that often explores themes of crime and moral complexity. Cep has a background in literature and has written for various publications, including The New Yorker and The New York Times. She is also a graduate of Harvard University, where she studied English and American literature.

What themes are explored in 'Furious Hours'?

'Furious Hours' by Casey Cep explores several themes, including: Justice and Injustice: The book delves into the American legal system and the complexities of justice, particularly in the context of a notorious murder case. Race and Identity: It examines the racial dynamics in the American South, highlighting the historical and social implications of race in legal proceedings and society. The Power of Storytelling: Cep reflects on the importance of narratives, both in literature and in the courtroom, and how stories influence public perception and personal identity. Faith and Doubt: The book also touches on themes of belief, questioning faith in both the legal system and human decency, especially against moral ambiguity. Grief and Loss: It addresses personal and communal grief, especially in the wake of tragedies, and how people cope with profound loss.

Can you describe the significance of the true crime case discussed in the book?

The true crime case discussed in 'Furious Hours' by Casey Cep is significant for several reasons. It revolves around the infamous trial of Reverend Willie Maxwell, a preacher accused of killing several family members to collect insurance money, and it highlights themes of race, morality, and the complexities of justice in the American South during the 1970s. The case captivated the public and drew widespread media attention, illuminating the intersection of legal battles and societal issues. Additionally, the case is intricately connected to author Harper Lee, who was writing about Maxwell's trial and the broader implications of crime and narrative in American culture. Through this narrative, Cep explores how stories of crime can reflect societal values and the quest for truth.

How does Casey Cep structure the narrative of 'Furious Hours'?

Casey Cep structures the narrative of 'Furious Hours' by weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives. The book centers around the true story of the trial of Reverend William Maxwell, who was accused of murdering his wife for insurance money, and the famous writer Harper Lee's efforts to explore this case through her writing. Cep interlaces detailed accounts of the trial, the historical context of the American South, and Lee's own narrative aspirations, creating a layered and complex narrative that highlights themes of justice, race, and the craft of storytelling.

Furious Hours Book Summary

In 'Furious Hours', Casey Cep masterfully weaves together true crime, a courtroom drama, and a biographical portrait of Harper Lee. The book delves into the chilling murder of a preacher in Alabama and the infamous trial that ensued, captivating readers with its rich narrative. It explores the depths of human motivation and the complexities of justice, all while revealing Lee's own struggles with her unfinished novel about the case. As secrets unravel, the line between fact and fiction blurs, leaving you questioning the very nature of storytelling. This gripping tale invites readers to ponder the mysteries of life, death, and the stories we tell.

By Casey Cep

Published: 2019

"In the tangled lines between truth and myth, justice often wears the mask of a storyteller."

'A triumph on every level. One of the losses to literature is that Harper Lee never found a way to tell a gothic true-crime story she'd spent years researching. Casey Cep has excavated this mesmerizing story and tells it with grace and insight and a fierce fidelity to the truth.' DAVID GRANN, author of Killers of the Flower Moon _____________________________ The stunning story of an Alabama serial killer and the true-crime book that Harper Lee worked on obsessively in the years after To Kill a Mockingbird Reverend Willie Maxwell was a rural preacher accused of murdering five of his family members for insurance money in the 1970s. With the help of a savvy lawyer, he escaped justice for years until a relative shot him dead at the funeral of his last victim. Despite hundreds of witnesses, Maxwell's murderer was acquitted - thanks to the same attorney who had previously defended the Reverend. As Alabama is consumed by these gripping events, it's not long until news of the case reaches Alabama's - and America's - most famous writer. Intrigued by the story, Harper Lee makes a journey back to her home state to witness the Reverend's killer face trial. Harper had the idea of writing her own In Cold Blood, the true-crime classic she had helped her friend Truman Capote research. Lee spent a year in town reporting on the Maxwell case and many more years trying to finish the book she called The Reverend. Now Casey Cep brings this story to life, from the shocking murders to the courtroom drama to the racial politics of the Deep South. At the same time, she offers a deeply moving portrait of one of the country's most beloved writers and her struggle with fame, success, and the mystery of artistic creativity. This is the story Harper Lee wanted to write. This is the story of why she couldn't. _____________________________ 'Fascinating ... Cep has spliced together a Southern-gothic tale of multiple murder and the unhappy story of Lee's literary career, to produce a tale that is engrossing in its detail and deeply poignant... [Cep] spends the first third of Furious Hours following the jaw-dropping trail of murders ... Engrossing ... Cep writes about all this with great skill, sensitivity and attention to detail.' SUNDAY TIMES 'It's been a long time since I picked up a book so impossible to put down. Furious Hours made me forget dinner, ignore incoming calls, and stay up reading into the small hours. It's a work of literary and legal detection as gripping as a thriller. But it's also a meditation on motive and mystery, the curious workings of history, hope, and ambition, justice, and the darkest matters of life and death. Casey Cep's investigation into an infamous Southern murder trial and Harper Lee's quest to write about it is a beautiful, sobering, and sometimes chilling triumph.' HELEN MACDONALD, author of H is for Hawk 'This story is just too good ... Furious Hours builds and builds until it collides with the writer who saw the power of Maxwell's story, but for some reason was unable to harness it. It lays bare the inner life of a woman who had a world-class gift for hiding ... [this] book makes a magical leap, and it goes from being a superbly written true-crime story to the sort of story that even Lee would have been proud to write.' MICHAEL LEWIS, author of Moneyball and The Big Short

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