Questions About Bright Young Women

by Jessica Knoll (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (15)

Does anyone know how much of the story about the women was real? I know it’s a fictionalized account but I’m curious how much was based in fact and how much is imagined. I enjoy historical fiction but like to understand where the dividing line is. I haven’t found any reviews online where the author provides more detail on this question.

Brynn This is a great question and one I've been struggling with as I'm reading the book. From what I remember about the murders (knowing quite a bit about …moreThis is a great question and one I've been struggling with as I'm reading the book. From what I remember about the murders (knowing quite a bit about it), a lot of the details of the attacks/murders are real but the real people have been "replaced" by fictional characters ... except for his last victim.

To me, this is such a weird choice for the author and I think that it's irresponsible for there not to be a very clear distinction about what's real and what's not. It's almost like a case study on how not to write historical fiction. (less)

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For a minute, I thought Tina may have killed Ruth. I had a hard time believing they actually were in love- their relationship was so strained at times and the author didn't develop a deep loving connection between the two of them. Anyone else feel conflicted about their relationship?

Karen I actually had the same thought several times, wondering if that was going to be some sort of "twist" at the end. I never bought into their relationsh…moreI actually had the same thought several times, wondering if that was going to be some sort of "twist" at the end. I never bought into their relationship either. In addition, at the end, Pamela had an affidavit saying that Tina had a right to Ruth's possessions as her "legal domestic partner" at the time of Ruth's death. I don't know the law but it's hard to imagine that she could prove 40+ years after Ruth's disappearance that their brief relationship would have given her any such rights. (less)

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