Today, Hartford Books Examiner brings you on update on a continuing story out of Cheshire. (You can read earlier coverage here.)
On Monday night, the Library Board in Cheshire voted 5-1 in favor of stocking a controversial book recounting the deadly home invasion of the Petit family. Released in September, Brian McDonald’s In The Middle of the Night (St. Martin’s True Crime, $6.99) presents Joshua Komisarjevsky’s account of the events of July 23, 2007. Komisarjevsky, along with Stephen Hayes, stands accused in the crime which left Mrs. Petit and her two daughters dead.
Late in October, the Board invited the public to share their opinions on the subject. Many residents expressed outrage, stating that the book was inappropriate for the town. Further, a petition was submitted asking the library not to circulate the title.
Those in support of making the book available through the library cited free speech.
Upon the book’s release, a spokesperson for Dr. William Petit, the sole survivor of the attack, said that Petit was “too disgusted to give the book any thought or to comment.”
Nearly two months after publication, In the Middle of the Night is averaging 1.5 stars (out of 5) on Amazon.com, though it remains a bestseller in its genre.
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Comments
Did you hear that Komisarjevsky now is requesting a delay in jury selection — because of the book?? Personally, I am appalled that the author ignored the gag order and the prison actually allowed him in to interview Komisarjevsky. I think the book could've waited until the whole thing was over. Even Capote waited.
I did hear that, Karen. And I agree--the timing of the book's release should have been delayed until after the trial. Talk about prejudicial!
This whole situation disgusts me. Coming from a publishing background of close to twenty years, I am horrified when people (including companies) make money off other people's tragedies. I do know true crime does well and I will admit to finding it interesting and being hypocritical, but that aside, the timing on this book (immediately after the crime before the trial) is just tacky and completely selfish.
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