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Honor Bound: My Journey to Hell and Back with Amanda Knox
They were accused of one of the most infamous murders of our time. Targeted by the media, sentenced by the courts, and wrongfully imprisoned for four excruciating years for a crime neither could fathom let alone perpetrate, Raffaele Sollecito and Amanda Knox were the victims in a trial so bizarre it defied all reason. Now, for the first time since his acquittal, Raffaele reveals what really happened between him and his then girlfriend before, during, and after Amanda’s roommate Meredith Kercher’s brutal murder.
Filled with family drama, wild reversals of fortune, and a blow-by-blow account of the legal catastrophe as it unfolded, this harrowing firsthand account sheds fascinating new light on one of the world’s most controversial murder cases. With startling candor, Raffaele shares intimate details about his changing relationship with Amanda—one that veered in a matter of days from giddy romance to grueling police interrogations. Over the next four years, Raffaele was the only solid alibi Amanda had for the night of the murder. He came under unrelenting pressure—from his own family and lawyers as much as the police and prosecution—to change his testimony and stop vouching for her. But he wouldn’t do it. He refused to testify against her to save his own skin, because he knew she would be lost forever.
Raffaele sifts through the wild accusations depicting him as a druggie, a porn addict, and reckless thrill seeker, and shows how these stories were gross distortions of trivial episodes in his young life. With unflinching honesty, he takes readers behind the scenes of the trial of the century—and inside the day-to-day hell of prison life. Finally, and poignantly, Raffaele talks about his first face-to-face reunion with Amanda following their release.
Emotional, disturbing, and ultimately galvanizing, this memoir is more than a true-crime story—it is a riveting account of an egregious miscarriage of justice, of public condemnation, and personal survival. Honor Bound is also, at its heart, a tragic love story about a young man who trusted his feelings, refused to give up hope, and ultimately triumphed.
Filled with family drama, wild reversals of fortune, and a blow-by-blow account of the legal catastrophe as it unfolded, this harrowing firsthand account sheds fascinating new light on one of the world’s most controversial murder cases. With startling candor, Raffaele shares intimate details about his changing relationship with Amanda—one that veered in a matter of days from giddy romance to grueling police interrogations. Over the next four years, Raffaele was the only solid alibi Amanda had for the night of the murder. He came under unrelenting pressure—from his own family and lawyers as much as the police and prosecution—to change his testimony and stop vouching for her. But he wouldn’t do it. He refused to testify against her to save his own skin, because he knew she would be lost forever.
Raffaele sifts through the wild accusations depicting him as a druggie, a porn addict, and reckless thrill seeker, and shows how these stories were gross distortions of trivial episodes in his young life. With unflinching honesty, he takes readers behind the scenes of the trial of the century—and inside the day-to-day hell of prison life. Finally, and poignantly, Raffaele talks about his first face-to-face reunion with Amanda following their release.
Emotional, disturbing, and ultimately galvanizing, this memoir is more than a true-crime story—it is a riveting account of an egregious miscarriage of justice, of public condemnation, and personal survival. Honor Bound is also, at its heart, a tragic love story about a young man who trusted his feelings, refused to give up hope, and ultimately triumphed.
288 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 2012
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1475 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
October 8, 2012
Any American contemplating spending significant time abroad should read this book. We are protected in this country by a legal system that, for all its faults, really does provide due process rights to its citizens that are almost unparalled elsewhere. The unbelievable way the Italian legal system failed Raffaele and Amanda is shocking. The simple solution to the crime was right in front of them, and instead the prosecuting attorney and judge concocted a fantastical story and then tried to shoe-horn the practically non-existent evidence into their fable. All because they didn't like Amanda, she acted oddly at times and somehow that lead to suspicion of her being a criminal. Poor Raffaele was shuffled to the background as far as the media was concerned and felt like he was "Mr Nobody". He was trying to finish his university degree while in prison as his arrest interrupted his studies before he could take his final exams. In the meantime, his family was being torn apart and his sister fired from her job with the caribineri, simply because she was his sister. A happy ending to this story, as we all know, but at such great cost to these young people and their families.
September 27, 2012
Sollecito delivers a first-hand account of the murder, investigation, and trials that have been so highly sensationalized in the media. The writing is nothing special (understandable, as English isn’t his first language), but he occasionally offers some eloquence when recounting his experiences. From his days as a student with boyish innocence, falling hard for a pretty American girl, to an accused criminal isolated behind bars for four years, he becomes a changed man upon his eventual freedom. He details every bad decision made: Amanda Knox’s questionable behavior, the police mishandling the evidence and crime scene, and prosecutor Mignini’s outrageous abuse of power. He admits to his own mistakes and how he learned to navigate the frustrating logistics of the Italian judicial system.
I have been anticipating hearing this story from Sollecito’s perspective, and I thought he did a great job with his narrative. He discusses becoming a non-entity in Amanda’s shadow, his time in prison, his relationship with his family, and his sympathy for the Kercher family. He presents the outcome of his ordeal with relief and regret, knowing he will never be the same again. He acknowledges that though he and Amada will always be linked by their nightmare and will maintain respect and support for one another, they will move on with their lives separately. This is a fascinating book for anyone who’s read the headlines and followed the story and I hope Sollecito has success and finds some modicum of peace.
I have been anticipating hearing this story from Sollecito’s perspective, and I thought he did a great job with his narrative. He discusses becoming a non-entity in Amanda’s shadow, his time in prison, his relationship with his family, and his sympathy for the Kercher family. He presents the outcome of his ordeal with relief and regret, knowing he will never be the same again. He acknowledges that though he and Amada will always be linked by their nightmare and will maintain respect and support for one another, they will move on with their lives separately. This is a fascinating book for anyone who’s read the headlines and followed the story and I hope Sollecito has success and finds some modicum of peace.
November 7, 2012
If you should happen to mention the name Amanda Knox, most people would know to whom you were referring. Mention the name Raffaele Sollecito and if anyone (anyone not doggedly following the court case that is) knew who he was they would probably say something to the effect of “oh, wasn’t that Amanda Knox’ boyfriend?” Despite the fact that he was convicted equally in the murder of British student Meredith Kerchner and received only one year less jail time than Amanda herself, Mr. Sollecito’s name has not become a household word. He was depicted as a quiet, introverted, dare I say “nerdy” young man who was beguiled and corrupted by the “evil wiles” of a young, brash, uninhibited American student studying abroad. This book is his side of the story told in his own words. Frankly, the book does not go far towards dispelling the “quiet, introverted, dare I say, nerdy” impression but, it does show that Mr. Sollecito has some moral fibre when it comes to what is right or wrong. Despite the fact that he did not allow himself to get bullied into turning on Amanda to save himself (kudos where kudos are due!) he still seems a little like a lamb being led around on a leash. He wrote this book himself (with a little help from Mr. Gumble, obviously) yet still comes across as a little bland. He accuses the media of pushing him to the side and deferring to Amanda, but often throughout the book he did the same.
For anyone who has avidly followed the trial this book would definitely be an interesting add-on. Mr. Sollecito does reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets of the trial and most definitely much insight as to how he was feeling while it was all going on. Any reader not deeply familiar with the case would do better to pick up something else first (may I recommend Murder in Italy by Candace Dempsey).
Ms. Knox is reported to have signed a huge multi-million dollar book deal to publish her own version of the happenings in Perugia. Knowing that, I came to this book with the pre-conceived idea that it was a case of “get my book out there before Amanda publishes what is sure to be a block-buster”. After finishing this book … I have not changed my mind about that.
For anyone who has avidly followed the trial this book would definitely be an interesting add-on. Mr. Sollecito does reveal some behind-the-scenes secrets of the trial and most definitely much insight as to how he was feeling while it was all going on. Any reader not deeply familiar with the case would do better to pick up something else first (may I recommend Murder in Italy by Candace Dempsey).
Ms. Knox is reported to have signed a huge multi-million dollar book deal to publish her own version of the happenings in Perugia. Knowing that, I came to this book with the pre-conceived idea that it was a case of “get my book out there before Amanda publishes what is sure to be a block-buster”. After finishing this book … I have not changed my mind about that.
June 9, 2015
Encapsulating from the very first, Honor Bound will have you flipping pages almost before you're done reading them. Raffaele Sollecito tells the riveting true story of his experience in the Amanda Knox murder case in Italy which began in October 2007. Sollecito explains his side of the story in detail which will hit home and have you siding with either himself, he and Knox, or the Italian police - if you can make up your mind. Offering very real and intimate details about the murder, interrogations, trial and prison life, Sollecito captures the raw emotion which he felt throughout those years. He recalls restless nights, relentless worrying, constant doubt and repeatedly dashed hopes as he struggled to simply be heard throughout his and Knox's trial, let alone prove himself innocent. Sometimes it's hard to remember the story is a true one, but it is easy enough to recall the endless news stories when it was current. A book you will not regret buying and taking the time to read, I highly recommend Honor Bound to any fan of mystery, crime, drama, biography and media influence.
March 17, 2017
I'm so intrigued by this case. I have already read many articles, books and news about this case. I don't know what's the reality but hearing his side of story was good. I get so angry by the legal system. And it's just not the Italian, it's everywhere.
I got tears in my eyes at the last page where Mr. Raffaele had tears in his eyes while drinking pure water and not toilet drinking water. Nice Book.
I got tears in my eyes at the last page where Mr. Raffaele had tears in his eyes while drinking pure water and not toilet drinking water. Nice Book.
May 8, 2013
Amanda Knox's memoir was more relatable for me, but Sollecito's is just as interesting and easy to read. Reading them back to back, I appreciated hearing his voice. He filled in a few gaps and offered another highly sympathetic perspective. He is clearly an intelligent, honorable, driven, thoughtful, sensitive and studious man. Initially, his professions against any further drug use (marijuana) come across a little oddly... almost forced, but I think he writes from a genuine place and I believe he and Knox are innocent.
The insights he provides of the Italian culture are helpful in shedding light on this strange and awful case. The repercussions beyond his and Knox's lives (namely his family's) also provides perspective.
All the best to the defendants in their final trial.
I am confused by Andrew Gumbel's role as a writer. Is he the translator? Editor? Did he fill in gaps? He didn't write a forward, which is what i expected, and he is never introduced in the text (at all), which is written completely in the first person aside from quotes. I'm at a loss as to what he contributed. It must have been significant, but I can't find anything attached to his name between the covers of this book.
The insights he provides of the Italian culture are helpful in shedding light on this strange and awful case. The repercussions beyond his and Knox's lives (namely his family's) also provides perspective.
All the best to the defendants in their final trial.
I am confused by Andrew Gumbel's role as a writer. Is he the translator? Editor? Did he fill in gaps? He didn't write a forward, which is what i expected, and he is never introduced in the text (at all), which is written completely in the first person aside from quotes. I'm at a loss as to what he contributed. It must have been significant, but I can't find anything attached to his name between the covers of this book.
January 24, 2016
I first knew about this case when I read the book, Descending Darkness which was released after Amanda Knox & Rafaele Sollecito were found guilty. The book explained in great detail how they were guilty yet I could not visualize how it could possibly have happened that way. The motive bothered me hugely, the forensic evidence left too many questions unanswered and the whole thing just felt wrong. I thought they must be innocent.
I was so happy to hear that they were released and read this book to find out more about the injustice of the crime. The prosecution's case was so stupid it amazed me that it took this long for the truth to come out.
The book provides all the insight you need into the madness of it all. Naturally the book focuses on Raffaele's perspective and not so much about the crime scene or other gruesome details that you normally read in true crime books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has followed this case or is interested in following cases involving wrongful imprisonment.
I was so happy to hear that they were released and read this book to find out more about the injustice of the crime. The prosecution's case was so stupid it amazed me that it took this long for the truth to come out.
The book provides all the insight you need into the madness of it all. Naturally the book focuses on Raffaele's perspective and not so much about the crime scene or other gruesome details that you normally read in true crime books.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has followed this case or is interested in following cases involving wrongful imprisonment.
September 9, 2018
A very absorbing and detailed account of the Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito murder trial. I had vaguely remembered the case and I too, had been somewhat brainwashed by the media, having been left with a very negative impression of Amanda. After reading this book I was shocked and appalled at how badly they had been treated by the Italian legal system. The investigation was completely botched and even manipulated by the prosecution. Amanda, a foreign student in Italy at the time, was only 20 years of age and she did exhibit some poor behaviour and made some questionable choices at that time but certainly did not deserve to be put through this nightmare. A very intresting book.
July 1, 2018
After reading several of the Amanda-Raffaelle murder stories, I agree this is one of the best. Truth and honesty along with fear and nightmares, RAF tells this sorry that we all knew was correct. The unfortunate corruption of Italy's legal system took away innocence from two very young college students only wanting to enjoy life and love.
October 1, 2012
I don't know how Raffaele survived the four years of anguish he was faced with and I am definitely interested to read Amanda's book when it is published.
October 26, 2012
As a true crime buff I've been anxiously awaiting Amanda's book. In the meantime, I was happy to discover Raffaele's and read it with great interest. If you, like me, followed the case obsessively you'll enjoy this book most notably for the other perspective it gives you into both the crime and trial. There are a number of details in Raffaele's account that I hadn't read anywhere else. I have always believed in their innocence so for me reading this book was about understanding what they went through for four years rather than trying to make a decision on guilt or innocence. Raffaele's account also shows how a perfect storm of unfortunate coincidences, personality quirks and misunderstandings led to two people being wrongfully convicted of murder, which I found most interesting and terrifying. Well worth the read if you are interested in this case!
May 5, 2013
I followed this story because it was happening during our family's gut wrenching ordeal. When they were both convicted, I really gave up on "justice". I couldn't find it anywhere. Shortly after their conviction, the girl who killed her three year old daughter was found not-guilty. That really put me over the edge. It is fascinating to read how they were treated by Italy's justice system....they were so railroaded. To think they could have spent their lives in prison for this crime that was so obviously not committed by them makes me wonder how they didn't lose their minds. Four years in prison for something they didn't do. Fascinating to say the least. I couldn't put it down. I am currently reading her memoir. I would suggest that you read them in the same order. His first, then hers.
September 18, 2014
What a horrible dishonor to the real victim!
It was not until after I'd finished this book that I came to fully realize what the real story behind this author is outside of the fantasy world of his book.
Cocaine-addict Raffaele Sollecito, who is a noted connoisseur of rape-related manga, animal porn and very nasty and lethal knives, is about to have his conviction for murder and sexual assault confirmed. The circumstantial, forensic and behavioural evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.
The publication of this book is an affront to the memory of his innocent victim that he tortured to death; and with it he tramples on the rights of her long-suffering family. I urge readers to reflect carefully before buying this book and letting this sick, twisted man profit from his heinous crime.
It was not until after I'd finished this book that I came to fully realize what the real story behind this author is outside of the fantasy world of his book.
Cocaine-addict Raffaele Sollecito, who is a noted connoisseur of rape-related manga, animal porn and very nasty and lethal knives, is about to have his conviction for murder and sexual assault confirmed. The circumstantial, forensic and behavioural evidence is overwhelming and irrefutable.
The publication of this book is an affront to the memory of his innocent victim that he tortured to death; and with it he tramples on the rights of her long-suffering family. I urge readers to reflect carefully before buying this book and letting this sick, twisted man profit from his heinous crime.
December 26, 2012
I love reading books that show you the character behind the story, especially a crime such as this. This book failed to deliver on so many levels. I was bored. I skipped pages towards the end. It was not well written. Raffaele made himself sound like a choir boy, the naive virgin. Very little was actually written about Amanda probably because he actually didn't know her all that well. The only good thing about the book is the true portrayal of his love for his father and his father for him.
I still have no idea regarding what exactly happened, and it seems neither does anyone else. I would not recommend this book unless we have been married before and I want you to suffer.
I wish you enough
Wenchy.
I still have no idea regarding what exactly happened, and it seems neither does anyone else. I would not recommend this book unless we have been married before and I want you to suffer.
I wish you enough
Wenchy.
December 29, 2012
If you plan to commit a crime, be sure you're NOT in Italy when you do it. It seems that you're guilty in the eyes of the police and prosecuting attorneys when it fits their political needs. Apparently, about 50% of the cases on appeal are approved for re-trial because of the shoddy work of the police and court system. Raffaele Sollecito is Italian, but that didn't protect him from the police, prosecuting attorneys and judges colluding to find him, and Amanda, guilty of a heinous crime that they didn't commit. They also spent FOUR years in jail trying to prove they were innocent. Even though I knew the outcome of their ordeal, the account of how they became enmeshed in the system - and then managed to free themselves - made for a good read.
February 21, 2014
This book started out very promising. At first I was fascinated by Sollecito's account of how horribly the Italian justice system handled the Meredith Kercher case. But as I continued reading, I become frustrated by the incredibly stupid decisions made by Sollecito and his father that caused him even more unnecessary problems. After a hundred pages of Sollecito saying: "we were advised not to do this but we did it anyway because we were naive" I got sick of reading his excuses. I don't know if he had anything to do with Meredith Kercher's murder, but this book didn't manage to evoke the intended sympathy from me; instead it made me feel that Sollecito is an idiot.
November 20, 2012
This book definitely gave me a different perspective on the case. I followed this trial while it was happening and after reading this book I am appalled by how the entire trial was portrayed. It's hard to believe that law enforcement can be so unjust. From what was written, the defense only wanted to blame someone; it didn't matter if it was someone wrongly accused. I'm definitely intrigued to read Amanda's book coming out next.
October 7, 2012
this book. shows how fragile freedom is. to think that two innocent college students far from home could be railroaded into such a bizarre murder is unfathomable. thank goodness justice finally prevailed.
October 7, 2012
I found this to be very troubling in that it is a true story that took years away from the lives of two young adults. As screwed up as our country seems to be right now, I'd rather be here than there. It is a good read.
October 21, 2012
Finally we get to hear his side of the story. From the beginning I have always supported Raffaelle and Amanda and here's a book that shows his honesty, his innocence and his strong passion for truth. Highly recommended
September 29, 2012
Fascinating. Erases any trace of doubt about the innocence of these two young people.
September 25, 2012
Pretty good, it was nice to hear the other side of the story. I gave it four stars becaseu there were so many names and facts strung together, it got a little confusing in parts.
June 22, 2017
Even more upsetting in some cases than Amanda's book. Still a great read.
April 20, 2019
A pretty terrible affront to the real victim. Sorry you had to deal with cockroaches in jail, but Meredith Kercher was brutally murdered, so...
November 28, 2020
I listened to the audio book and Raffaele is not as believable as Knox and I don't believe that he does not have drug addiction issues though I do believe he and Knox are innocent of the crime which they are accused.
I highly recommend this book.
I highly recommend this book.
June 30, 2014
I read 3/4ths of this book. It was much more frustrating than Amanda Knox's story because, where hers was a memoir from an obviously immature and naive young woman in a foreign country, this is told from a man cognizant of the laws and machinations behind the halls of justice in his own land. And what the Italian police and justice system did to Amanda and Raffaele is just plain wrong.
Personally I believe that they are both telling the truth. Three people were accused of murdering Meredith Kercher. Two of them released books about their ordeals, proclaiming their innocence. Their accounts corroborate each other's. The remaining person -- the only one whose DNA places him squarely at the crime scene in a home where he shouldn't have been, who had a criminal record prior to his arrest, who left the country immediately after the murder occurred, who had to be extradited back to Italy after being caught, who was heard talking about the murder by other inmates and witnesses, and who plead guilty to take advantage of a "speedy" trial -- has not come forth in the intervening years to try to prove his innocence. This tells me he's most likely the one who did it, alone, probably as a reaction to being caught breaking into what he thought was an empty home at the time. The fact that nothing was stolen doesn't mean it wasn't a botched robbery; it just means he was interrupted and something happened that resulted in his fleeing without taking anything.
This whole case is sad on so many levels. For Meredith's family, but also for the families of Amanda and Raffaele, as well. The media should be as much ashamed of their behavior as the police for their shoddy and preferential investigation and the prosecutor for his single-minded and erroneous pursuit of the defendants without regard for the facts. This case dragged on too long in the public spotlight and was tried in the world court long before it was ever heard before the Italian judges, and that's just plain wrong. There's no justice in that, not for anyone.
Personally I believe that they are both telling the truth. Three people were accused of murdering Meredith Kercher. Two of them released books about their ordeals, proclaiming their innocence. Their accounts corroborate each other's. The remaining person -- the only one whose DNA places him squarely at the crime scene in a home where he shouldn't have been, who had a criminal record prior to his arrest, who left the country immediately after the murder occurred, who had to be extradited back to Italy after being caught, who was heard talking about the murder by other inmates and witnesses, and who plead guilty to take advantage of a "speedy" trial -- has not come forth in the intervening years to try to prove his innocence. This tells me he's most likely the one who did it, alone, probably as a reaction to being caught breaking into what he thought was an empty home at the time. The fact that nothing was stolen doesn't mean it wasn't a botched robbery; it just means he was interrupted and something happened that resulted in his fleeing without taking anything.
This whole case is sad on so many levels. For Meredith's family, but also for the families of Amanda and Raffaele, as well. The media should be as much ashamed of their behavior as the police for their shoddy and preferential investigation and the prosecutor for his single-minded and erroneous pursuit of the defendants without regard for the facts. This case dragged on too long in the public spotlight and was tried in the world court long before it was ever heard before the Italian judges, and that's just plain wrong. There's no justice in that, not for anyone.
December 20, 2012
The story behind the highly publicized Amanda Knox murder trial in Italy, as told by boyfriend and co-defendant, Rafaelle Sollecito.
If you're curious for more details about the murder of Knox's room-mate Meredith Kercher, this book might provide them. And for those who have ever wondered how being tried for murder might affect a person and those around that person,there's plenty of that, too.
Even being mindful that the story is told from the point of view of an immature and rather naive young man, a large part of the narrative reads as almost unbelievable. The incredibly poor judgement and actions of Sollecito and especially of Knox following the crime is invariably blamed on their youth and their failure to comprehend that they were being looked at as suspects.
The actions of the police and, indeed, of the entire Italian judicial system, are farcical, and if even marginally correct, indicate that the system needs a complete overhaul.
(The following is no spoiler--as the facts of the trial and appeal are well known)
I could not give this book more than two stars, because it is so completely implausible. Though the two were found guilty but later exonerated after appeal, the book implies that the entire justice system of Italy is not only corrupt, but also idiotic. Worse, Sollecito's explanation serves to make the two defendants appear, if not actually guilty, at least dangerously stupid.
If you're curious for more details about the murder of Knox's room-mate Meredith Kercher, this book might provide them. And for those who have ever wondered how being tried for murder might affect a person and those around that person,there's plenty of that, too.
Even being mindful that the story is told from the point of view of an immature and rather naive young man, a large part of the narrative reads as almost unbelievable. The incredibly poor judgement and actions of Sollecito and especially of Knox following the crime is invariably blamed on their youth and their failure to comprehend that they were being looked at as suspects.
The actions of the police and, indeed, of the entire Italian judicial system, are farcical, and if even marginally correct, indicate that the system needs a complete overhaul.
(The following is no spoiler--as the facts of the trial and appeal are well known)
I could not give this book more than two stars, because it is so completely implausible. Though the two were found guilty but later exonerated after appeal, the book implies that the entire justice system of Italy is not only corrupt, but also idiotic. Worse, Sollecito's explanation serves to make the two defendants appear, if not actually guilty, at least dangerously stupid.
July 23, 2013
Admittedly I know who Amanda Knox is and I do know that she was involved in a murder in Italy but after that I hardly remember anything about the case. With that said I didn't care for this book. I'd be interested to read Amanda Knox's story to see if it would change of my view of her because based on Raffaele's story she sounded like a moron. I didn't buy their love story as anything more than an extended fling. Raffaele and Amanda both seemed absurdly naive. How did they get so far in life considering the decisions they made? It made my head shake that either of them would sign anything under duress let alone an official statement. But then again I have never been in such a trying circumstance.
Also, why was the Italian judicial system so hell bent on making an example out of these two? They could have easily redirected themselves to Rudy and still be seen as heroic at having caught the evil person who committed the actual crime. Did they really want nothing more than to send these two kids away for life just to save some egg on their face? It's so unbelievable to me that such a system could be so beyond corrupt (though I'm not naive enough to believe it couldn't happen). It just boggles my mind!
Also, why was the Italian judicial system so hell bent on making an example out of these two? They could have easily redirected themselves to Rudy and still be seen as heroic at having caught the evil person who committed the actual crime. Did they really want nothing more than to send these two kids away for life just to save some egg on their face? It's so unbelievable to me that such a system could be so beyond corrupt (though I'm not naive enough to believe it couldn't happen). It just boggles my mind!
June 30, 2013
When Meredith Kircher was murdered I was still living in the U.S. and I watched the muckraking of Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito with apprehension, disgust and disbelief, which was elevated to the nth degree when they were convicted (along with the real perpetrator, Rudy Guede). When their conviction was overturned I had by then been living in Italy for a few years. All I could think was, "It was about time" but that did nothing to make me less afraid of the Italian "justice" system. I already knew that things were badly distorted and incredibly unfair but Sollecito's book went into detail and I also learned some other details which I hadn't heard during the time I followed the case. In particular what happened to Sollecito's sister is particularly shameful. I still think if the carabinieri hadn't gotten lost on their way to the crime scene things would've been handled in a much better and presumably more competent way, despite the later treatment of Sollecito's sister, a former member of the carabinieri. I'm looking forward to reading Amanda Knox's book as well.
April 29, 2014
After reading Amanda Knox's memoir, I had to immediately grab this book while everything was still fresh in my mind. This is written by Amanda's "boyfriend" of one week, who was imprisoned along with Amanda for the murder of Meredith Kercher. Until I read Amanda's book, I didn't even remember Raffaele existed! America was so fixated on Amanda that the other defendant was all but forgotten.
I actually enjoyed Raffaele's book more than Amanda's, and I'm not sure why. I still think Amanda is kind of a weirdo, and it does make sense why police targeted her as a suspect at first. That being said, I don't know how Raffaele got tangled up in this mess. The evidence against him was literally nothing, he was just convicted because Amanda was.
I do wish this had been published a bit later, only because I'm not sure how the recent overthrow of the acquittal affects him. I remember reading that Italy can't force Amanda to come back, so as long as she stays in America she doesn't have to go to trial again. How does it work with Raffaele then, who still lives there?
I actually enjoyed Raffaele's book more than Amanda's, and I'm not sure why. I still think Amanda is kind of a weirdo, and it does make sense why police targeted her as a suspect at first. That being said, I don't know how Raffaele got tangled up in this mess. The evidence against him was literally nothing, he was just convicted because Amanda was.
I do wish this had been published a bit later, only because I'm not sure how the recent overthrow of the acquittal affects him. I remember reading that Italy can't force Amanda to come back, so as long as she stays in America she doesn't have to go to trial again. How does it work with Raffaele then, who still lives there?
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