Rating: 3/5 stars

True crime is a genre that has been exploited for decades, and the genre has grown exponentially recently through podcasts, television and books. “Bright Young Women” is a book based loosely on the killings of Ted Bundy. Jessica Knoll (“Luckiest Girl Alive”) writes from the perspectives of Pamela, a girl who was in the sorority house where “the Defendant” attacks, and Ruth, one of the victims of the defendant. 

The book follows Pamela’s journey after the attack in trying to get justice, and Ruth’s life leading up to her murder. The book jumps through the past and present to create this coming together of females and their empowerment against the Defendant. 

This novel feels different than most true crime books because the main center is the focus on female bonds and how important they can be. Knoll captures this fight for justice through strong female characters. Her writing pays homage to the victims well, allowing the readers to remember the victims and not the Defendant. By not allowing him to be named in the book, Knoll creates that disconnect making the victims remembered. 

While Knoll’s writing does allow for great characters, some parts of the book do fall flat and drag. Ruth’s storyline was interesting, but at certain times it felt like it did not fit the genre almost. Ruth’s story would have made sense in her own book, but sometimes Ruth and Pamela’s narration just did not mesh well. Not a lot happens in Ruth’s narration until the very end, but the reader is really just watching her life before. Pamela’s parts felt more interesting and it seems like the book could have been fine without Ruth’s point of view. Although it makes sense that both points of views were in the book to connect Tina into the story, Tina could have easily been fit into Pamela’s life without Ruth’s narration. 

The narration of Pamela at times felt a little bit confusing. It was narrated in a past tense but would be interrupted by present Pamela saying some remark outside of the story. This type of narration did feel unique and valuable at some parts of the story, but also can leave people confused on what is happening. 

Knoll does a great job of writing the more intense scenes of the book. She pays respect to the victims and does not overshare or play into the romanticization of the Defendant. This type of representation of victims in the media is important, especially since true crime tends to be overly played out and shows little respect for the victim’s stories. 

Bright Young Women” is an interesting retelling of the story of Bundy’s victims. Knoll’s most instrumental tactic in her writing is her ability to empower women and make them the true heroes of their own stories. Although some parts fell flat and her use of two points of view can be questionable, Knoll does a great job of paying respect to the victims and giving their stories true justice.

Image from Simon and Schuster