Sutton is a very well written book and well preformed story. I read both the book and listened to the performance of the audio edition. It is a very charming and almost infectious story that portrays one of America’s most wanted criminals as almost a folk hero leaving the reader/listener, at least in my case, cheering for the ”bad” guy. It is the type of book that I would enjoy reading again or listening to again for the sheer enjoyment and entertainment value.
The book centers on the life of Willie Sutton as the title of the book indicates. I enjoyed this character primarily in the way the author presents Sutton. Sutton speaks directly to the reader/listener outlining his activities, his thinking and his feelings behind his decisions in life. Sutton then directs an abbreviated version of what he has told the reader to a character in the book, a reporter from the New York Times. Sutton, as the story goes, is working with the reporter on a story about his, Willy Sutton’s life. The reporter takes Sutton on a journey to the locations that have been significant in Sutton’s life. As Sutton visits these locations he recalls the circumstances, emotions and events which, in fact, lead him to some of his decisions and behavior. By portraying Sutton in this manner and light the author makes Sutton come alive as he takes the reader along with him on this journey. The audio version with the voices and emotions the narrator, Dylan Baker offers, adds a dimension to the book that you miss by just reading the book.
I did not laugh and I did not cry; however, I did smile a lot.
It was an excellent book and excellent production well worth the read and listen.
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