What is the first thing you think of when you hear the name Jeffrey Dahmer? That’s right, GRAPHIC NOVEL.
Derf Backderf, the author of MY FRIEND DAHMER, actually went to school with the notorious serial killer. Not only does he use his own personal memories of the time they shared the halls together, but he also took the time to interview other classmates and teachers. conducted research by reading/watching interviews with Dahmer after he was captured, and reading the book Dahmer’s father wrote.
Backderf takes us through Dahmer’s life starting in Seventh Grade. He paints a picture of Dahmer’s isolated life and reveals the loneliness he suffered through every day. Backderf shows Dahmer’s gradual progression of violent and macabre activities that led up to his first murder in 1978 when he was only 18-years-old.
For a book that chronicles a serial killer’s descent into darkness, MY FRIEND DAHMER contains relatively little violence. This is definitely a book for true crime fans. It is a disturbing and tragic story that compels you to read until you get to the gruesome end.
