The main reason I picked up this book (other than the intriguing subject matter) was because I wanted an edition that didn’t have Leonardo DiCaprio’s face on it. Why books have to rebranded after a movie is beyond me. (I have the copy on the right, by the way.) However, I’m thankful for the movie bringing an awareness to the book because I might never have found it otherwise.
When the Osage Indians were being moved about the US, they were relocated to seemingly desolate land in Oklahoma, cast out the way (and concern) of Westward Expansioners. Or at least, they would’ve been if oil hadn’t been discovered underneath their feet. Suddenly, the Osage became the focus of many as the rich oil fields brought considerable wealth to the tribe, which owned mineral rights to the land.
In the 1920s, however, Osage tribe members were dying at a considerable rate, especially those in Mollie Burkhart’s family. After several half-hearted investigations by local authorities, J. Edgar Hoover’s fledgling organisation, what would become known as the FBI, was brought in to investigate. What unfolds is a wildly dark narrative, and just when it seems to be over, you realise it’s just begun.
I could not put this book down. When I say I “devoured” it, I don’t mean I read it in three days, but whenever I had spare time the book was first on my mind. Grann does an amazing job of pulling together a detailed account from a time when records or reports were destined to be destroyed. The back of the book has an incredibly detailed ‘Notes’ section, providing sources for all of his work throughout, which I wish I had known was there from the start.
While heart-wrenching and discouraging in many ways, this book is not gruesome or overtly scary. For people who shy away from non-fiction, I think you’d still really enjoy this. I’d like to give a round of applause to David Grann for shedding light on this story, and for the primary detective Tom White, for restoring my faith in humanity.
2% Rating: 9/10
Recommend? Absolutely
Re-Read? Maybe
Time: 1:44