The Alienist by Caleb Carr

          The Alienist is a nonfiction crime novel by Caleb Carr, published in 1994. Carr is an American novelist and military historian. He has received the Anthony Award for Best First Novel and the Grand Prix de Littérature Policière in the International category. The Alienist focuses on the criminal atmosphere of New York City in 1896 and delves into the mob scene, corruptions within the New York City Police Department, and unsolved murders. Prominent historical figures such as Theodore Roosevelt and J.P. Morgan are mentioned to highlight the era and provide some historical context for the period Carr is discussing. Thus far in my reading these elements of the story have each been introduced, but not sufficiently flesh out. I will write again on this book in a few weeks with more specific information.

          This novel is geared towards an intelligent audience interested in nonfiction crime stories and the intricate history of New York City. Its purpose lies along the same lines: to inform the aforementioned audience about the complex social schemes and mysterious happenings in Ney York during the 1890’s.

          Carr has begun to accomplish his purpose, but it remains unclear (a quarter of the way through the book) whether or not he will adequately explain all of these topics. When he is being particularly effective, he often uses the rhetorical device of anecdote. In order to relate things like life back then in the mob scene to modern society, Carr relies on personal stories and things he has learned during his time as a student of history and literature. In doing this, he explains topics that seem outdated from a 21^st century culturally-minded perspective.