If you're a true crime buff or fascinated by the psychology behind infamous criminals, this book will get under your skin - in both unsettling and intriguing ways. 'The Shoemaker' dives deep into the twisted mind of Joseph Kallinger, exploring what makes a monster, while showing the impact of trauma and mental illness. The book balances shocking crime details with a complex psychological portrait, making it a gripping choice for those who like their true crime both thoughtful and disturbing.

Who May Not Like This Book:

Sensitive readers or those looking for a lighter crime read will want to steer clear - the book doesn't shy away from the horrific nature of Kallinger's crimes or his deeply troubled psyche. Some found the writing style confusing, repetitive, or overly sympathetic towards the subject. Others were put off by the author's personal intrusions and the heavy inclusion of psychiatric analysis, especially when it seemed to take the monster's side.

Compelling, graphic, and not for the faint-hearted. If you want an intense true crime deep-dive with a heavy psychological focus, 'The Shoemaker' is unforgettable - just be prepared for some disturbing content and a tough emotional journey.

About:

'The Shoemaker' by Flora Rheta Schreiber delves into the chilling story of Joe Kallinger, a deranged murderer who involved his young son in his heinous crimes. Through a combination of mental illness and harsh parenting, Kallinger's descent into madness is explored in vivid detail. takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, offering a glimpse into the mind of a psychopath and the disturbing events that shaped his life.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is characterized by a confusing structure, repetition, and interjections of the author's personal insights, blending story with psychological analysis.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative revolves around the gruesome crimes committed by Joe Kallinger and the account of his life, exploring his mental illness and family impact.

Setting:

The setting is largely in Philadelphia during the 1970s, covering both crime scenes and later prison life.

Pacing:

The pacing fluctuates, with an engaging first half that details the crimes while the latter half slows with a focus on incarceration.

Genres:

true crime

biography

psychology

Topics:

mental health treatment

manipulation

father son dynamic

mental illness

Notes:

Joe Kallinger, the main subject of the book, was a notorious psychopath who committed three murders alongside his 12-year-old son.

Flora Rheta Schreiber, the author, was a psychiatrist who befriended Kallinger while researching the book in prison.

Kallinger believed that God commanded him to annihilate mankind, which he used as justification for his crimes.

Despite his violent actions, Kallinger's son was not implicated in the murders and only served a few years on probation.

The story is set in Philadelphia in 1975, and many readers were surprised that they had not heard of it before.

Joe Kallinger died in prison in 1996, having spent most of his time in a mental hospital due to his psychosis.

The book includes a letter from Kallinger to Schreiber, which some readers found unsettling and manipulative.

Schreiber also authored 'Sybil,' but some believe parts of that book were embellished or fabricated.

Readers found the writing style confusing and repetitive, which detracted from the overall experience.

The book takes readers through the psychological analysis of Kallinger, which some found less engaging than the crime narrative.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

The contents of The Shoemaker include high triggers/content warnings for graphic depictions of violent crimes and mental illness.

From The Publisher:

Two men in the same One Joseph Kallinger was a superb craftsman, a sensitive poet, a devoted family man, and a human being who held all life sacred. The other Joseph Kallinger was a lover who needed images of bloody violence to maintain his sexual potency, and a father who physically tortured his children, lived in abnormal intimacy with his daughter, and enlisted his 12-year-old son in a campaign of rape and murder that terrified millions. This is the true story of Joseph Kallinger - both of him.

1983

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423 pages

Reader Stats (8):

Want To Read (5)
Not Interested (3)

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The Shoemaker

Flora Rheta Schreiber

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