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Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage
Suzette Kelo was just trying to rebuild her life when she purchased a falling down Victorian house perched on the waterfront in New London, CT. The house wasn't particularly fancy, but with lots of hard work Suzette was able to turn it into a home that was important to her, a home that represented her new found independence.
Little did she know that the City of New London, desperate to revive its flailing economy, wanted to raze her house and the others like it that sat along the waterfront in order to win a lucrative Pfizer pharmaceutical contract that would bring new business into the city. Kelo and fourteen neighbors flat out refused to sell, so the city decided to exercise its power of eminent domain to condemn their homes, launching one of the most extraordinary legal cases of our time, a case that ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court.
In Little Pink House, award-winning investigative journalist Jeff Benedict takes us behind the scenes of this case -- indeed, Suzette Kelo speaks for the first time about all the details of this inspirational true story as one woman led the charge to take on corporate America to save her home.
Little did she know that the City of New London, desperate to revive its flailing economy, wanted to raze her house and the others like it that sat along the waterfront in order to win a lucrative Pfizer pharmaceutical contract that would bring new business into the city. Kelo and fourteen neighbors flat out refused to sell, so the city decided to exercise its power of eminent domain to condemn their homes, launching one of the most extraordinary legal cases of our time, a case that ultimately reached the United States Supreme Court.
In Little Pink House, award-winning investigative journalist Jeff Benedict takes us behind the scenes of this case -- indeed, Suzette Kelo speaks for the first time about all the details of this inspirational true story as one woman led the charge to take on corporate America to save her home.
377 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2009
57 people are currently reading
853 people want to read
About the author
Jeff Benedict
20 books175 followersJeff Benedict conducted the first national study on sexual assault and athletes. He has published three books on athletes and crime, including a blistering exposé on the NFL, Pros and Cons: The Criminals Who Play in the NFL, and Public Heroes, Private Felons: Athletes and Crimes Against Women. He is a lawyer and an investigative journalist who has written five books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
November 28, 2018
This book is well written and the author certainly did a boatload of research. Nonetheless, I found myself scanning the second half. I had lost interest in the story. I think the story would have been a riveting read in a shorter format, like a feature story in the New York Times, The New Yorker, or Connecticut Magazine. However, in book form, it was a bit tedious and the main characters were not that engrossing or multi-dimensional.
May 28, 2018
For reference, I listened to the audio book version and I also live in New London, CT about 3 miles from the former location of the "Little Pink House". I walk through the "neighborhood" almost every week.
Although a quick and easy read/listen and written well, this book left me longing for more. Too often, and throughout the book, it seems the author likes adjectives rather than leaning on more substantive issues. I get that Claire L. Gaudiani dressed seductively or other participants were overweight, but at a certain point the reader gets it. Move on and give us more details.
This book touts itself as "A True Story of Defiance and Courage", but it seems like it has one point of view and far too often not enough information to be a true story. Names are left out in favor of "councilman" or instead of a specific question in a court case they become simply "the question". Although I am sure there was a ton of research that went into this book, it was not enough to equal a true story. It has a view and is presented. It is very much written like a movie and not a true research project.
But with all of that said, it is a good read and presents an overview of what happened at Fort Trumbull. More importantly it gives a current resident many reasons why there is so much distrust within the New London community.
The Fort Trumbull area is still empty and has not changed in many years. It still smells and the further we get from the events at Fort Trumbull it appears the more things stay the same. The only difference being NLDC now equals RCDA.
This book is worth the read, but it could be better and I hope someday in the future we get a more detailed history of all the events concerning the "Little Pink House" and its neighborhood.
The real question lingers:
Will that area ever be developed? That is the true cliffhanger...
Although a quick and easy read/listen and written well, this book left me longing for more. Too often, and throughout the book, it seems the author likes adjectives rather than leaning on more substantive issues. I get that Claire L. Gaudiani dressed seductively or other participants were overweight, but at a certain point the reader gets it. Move on and give us more details.
This book touts itself as "A True Story of Defiance and Courage", but it seems like it has one point of view and far too often not enough information to be a true story. Names are left out in favor of "councilman" or instead of a specific question in a court case they become simply "the question". Although I am sure there was a ton of research that went into this book, it was not enough to equal a true story. It has a view and is presented. It is very much written like a movie and not a true research project.
But with all of that said, it is a good read and presents an overview of what happened at Fort Trumbull. More importantly it gives a current resident many reasons why there is so much distrust within the New London community.
The Fort Trumbull area is still empty and has not changed in many years. It still smells and the further we get from the events at Fort Trumbull it appears the more things stay the same. The only difference being NLDC now equals RCDA.
This book is worth the read, but it could be better and I hope someday in the future we get a more detailed history of all the events concerning the "Little Pink House" and its neighborhood.
The real question lingers:
Will that area ever be developed? That is the true cliffhanger...
February 6, 2009
Susette Kelo survived a troubled childhood and two unhappy marriages and had decided to start her life all over again. She bought a little cottage near the Thames River in the Fort Trumbull neighborhood of New London, Connecticut. She worked on the house, even sanding the hardwood floors by hand. At around the same time, Claire Gaudiani was appointed chairman of the New London Development Corporation. Claire decided that Pfizer Corporation should locate their new research and development headquarters on the Thames River in New London and would stop at nothing to get her way. Once she talked Pfizer into it, she had to acquire all of the land she wanted for the project. The New London Development Corporation persuaded the city of New London to give them eminent domain and they went after the Fort Trumbull neighborhood. In the past, eminent domain had been used to build roads or schools or hospitals - now, it was being used to chase out homeowners for a private development that would pay more tax dollars.
Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage by Jeff Benedict is the story of Susette Kelo and the Fort Trumbull neighborhood and their fight against eminent domain. This case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court.
I listened to this audio book and thought it was fantastic. It is read by Maggi-Meg Reed and she does a phenomenal job. There is a lot of legal information in this book, but it is written so that the average person can understand it. I found myself admiring the people who stood their ground and fought and I found myself really angry at the New London Development Corporation and their bullying tactics.
Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage by Jeff Benedict is the story of Susette Kelo and the Fort Trumbull neighborhood and their fight against eminent domain. This case went all the way to the United States Supreme Court.
I listened to this audio book and thought it was fantastic. It is read by Maggi-Meg Reed and she does a phenomenal job. There is a lot of legal information in this book, but it is written so that the average person can understand it. I found myself admiring the people who stood their ground and fought and I found myself really angry at the New London Development Corporation and their bullying tactics.
May 25, 2009
A careful recreation of the events leading up to and after a landmark Supreme Court decision on eminent domain. Benedict offers readable portraits of the people behind Kelo v. the New London Development Corporation. The book is thin on analysis, sticking mostly to a straightforward chronology and valorizing the working class heroes of this drama. They deserve the reader's sympathy, but the reader also comes away dissatisfied with reportage that has all the hallmarks of a made-for-tv movie. As a southern Rhode Islander, however, I was interested to learn more about a protracted and significant legal battle fought fairly close by, and to compare the smarmy, abusive political culture of Connecticut with the smarmy, abusive political culture of Rhode Island.
February 28, 2023
Wow. I was on the edge of my seat listening to this for the past two days.
This true story is filled with razor sharp pride, cold hard development schemes, and lack of concern for “We the People.” Amidst all that, the love of fellow man and the closeness community can bring really shines in this work of nonfiction.
I am a Public Policy major, so the subject matter is music to my ears. Community involvement runs through my veins and I believe deeply in the democratic process.
This nonfiction work has edged into my top three books of all time.
This true story is filled with razor sharp pride, cold hard development schemes, and lack of concern for “We the People.” Amidst all that, the love of fellow man and the closeness community can bring really shines in this work of nonfiction.
I am a Public Policy major, so the subject matter is music to my ears. Community involvement runs through my veins and I believe deeply in the democratic process.
This nonfiction work has edged into my top three books of all time.
May 19, 2012
"nor shall private property be taken for public use, without just compensation"
Thus reads the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, restricting the power of eminent domain: requiring that takings of private property be for "public use" and that the owner be compensated.
In this book Jeff Benedict documents the story of Susette Kelo and how the Fifth Amendment entered her life. She had found her dream home: a small fixer-upper in New London with a river view. Shortly after moving in and beginning to improve it, however, she found a notice on her door. Her land and home were in the path of economic redevelopment plans. She had two options: sell her dream house and land for whatever the city would offer, or have them taken from her through eminent domain. She and a number of her neighbors chose neither, instead fighting the city in the courts. Their argument: the land was being taken not for a public use such as to build a school or highway, but rather to transfer it from a low-tax-paying private user to a high-tax-paying private user. The legal battle eventually ended up at the Supreme Court in Kelo v. New London (2005), probably its most universally reviled decision in decades. (Special emphasis on universally: this decision, unlike most controversial decisions, was condemned pretty widely across parties, branches of government, social class, and so on.)
This book focuses on the personal stories of the people involved -- primarily upon Susette Kelo as the main named plaintiff, but also upon the other New London residents evicted from their homes. Benedict also reveals much about New London city politics, Connecticut state politics (the redevelopment plan was spearheaded by the governor's office as a way to make himself look better), the unholy union of government power with an unaccountable private corporation, and the public opinion battle fought by the Institute for Justice. The book is somewhat light on Kelo's legal case itself, which I find unfortunate but probably understandable. Throughout it remains a story of people -- not just Kelo and the other evictees, but also of people affiliated with the city government (both in support of and opposed to the redevelopment plan), of people at IJ involved in fighting the case, and of other New London residents involved at the periphery. Benedict does yeoman's work pulling together accounts from the hundreds and thousands of people involved in all this to tell a story of truly domineering, egotistic people thinking they can turn around a city while completely dismissing the costs in doing so and the chances for failure. (Which is not to say that the people on the city's side are villainized. They're portrayed as in the wrong by implication, perhaps, but there were definitely some well-meaning people on the other side -- as well as some people willing to run roughshod over anyone standing in the way of their grand plans for New London.)
Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage doesn't have a happy ending. Kelo lost her case at the Supreme Court, and she eventually did have to leave East Street and move elsewhere. But there were silver linings. The case was as close as they come at 5-4 and came with a particularly stinging dissent from Justice O'Connor, who had authored a previous opinion which provided strong support for New London's position. Even after her Supreme Court loss the battle continued, buttressed by public support of her and by condemnation of the city and its tactics, and she was able to live in her house longer than the decision date might indicate. And in the end Kelo was able to save her house, if not the land it sat upon: as part of her settlement New London paid her enough money that she was able to move it elsewhere to stand as a testament to the threat of eminent domain abuse -- the equivalent, perhaps, of giving the finger to New London's uncaring city leaders. (Or, rather, of forcing them to give it to themselves!) Kelo's loss also spurred nationwide eminent domain reform, triggering legislative efforts and constitutional amendments in over forty states to prevent the abuses carried out in New London (although some of those efforts were mostly symbolic). And, in time, and with a change in composition of the Court, perhaps Kelo will eventually be overturned.
I would have liked a little more coverage of the legal issues in the case. But beyond that lack, this book does an excellent job of covering the back story behind one of the most notorious decisions in recent memory. Recommended if you're into law, although don't expect this book to provide a ton of law itself.
Thus reads the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution, restricting the power of eminent domain: requiring that takings of private property be for "public use" and that the owner be compensated.
In this book Jeff Benedict documents the story of Susette Kelo and how the Fifth Amendment entered her life. She had found her dream home: a small fixer-upper in New London with a river view. Shortly after moving in and beginning to improve it, however, she found a notice on her door. Her land and home were in the path of economic redevelopment plans. She had two options: sell her dream house and land for whatever the city would offer, or have them taken from her through eminent domain. She and a number of her neighbors chose neither, instead fighting the city in the courts. Their argument: the land was being taken not for a public use such as to build a school or highway, but rather to transfer it from a low-tax-paying private user to a high-tax-paying private user. The legal battle eventually ended up at the Supreme Court in Kelo v. New London (2005), probably its most universally reviled decision in decades. (Special emphasis on universally: this decision, unlike most controversial decisions, was condemned pretty widely across parties, branches of government, social class, and so on.)
This book focuses on the personal stories of the people involved -- primarily upon Susette Kelo as the main named plaintiff, but also upon the other New London residents evicted from their homes. Benedict also reveals much about New London city politics, Connecticut state politics (the redevelopment plan was spearheaded by the governor's office as a way to make himself look better), the unholy union of government power with an unaccountable private corporation, and the public opinion battle fought by the Institute for Justice. The book is somewhat light on Kelo's legal case itself, which I find unfortunate but probably understandable. Throughout it remains a story of people -- not just Kelo and the other evictees, but also of people affiliated with the city government (both in support of and opposed to the redevelopment plan), of people at IJ involved in fighting the case, and of other New London residents involved at the periphery. Benedict does yeoman's work pulling together accounts from the hundreds and thousands of people involved in all this to tell a story of truly domineering, egotistic people thinking they can turn around a city while completely dismissing the costs in doing so and the chances for failure. (Which is not to say that the people on the city's side are villainized. They're portrayed as in the wrong by implication, perhaps, but there were definitely some well-meaning people on the other side -- as well as some people willing to run roughshod over anyone standing in the way of their grand plans for New London.)
Little Pink House: A True Story of Defiance and Courage doesn't have a happy ending. Kelo lost her case at the Supreme Court, and she eventually did have to leave East Street and move elsewhere. But there were silver linings. The case was as close as they come at 5-4 and came with a particularly stinging dissent from Justice O'Connor, who had authored a previous opinion which provided strong support for New London's position. Even after her Supreme Court loss the battle continued, buttressed by public support of her and by condemnation of the city and its tactics, and she was able to live in her house longer than the decision date might indicate. And in the end Kelo was able to save her house, if not the land it sat upon: as part of her settlement New London paid her enough money that she was able to move it elsewhere to stand as a testament to the threat of eminent domain abuse -- the equivalent, perhaps, of giving the finger to New London's uncaring city leaders. (Or, rather, of forcing them to give it to themselves!) Kelo's loss also spurred nationwide eminent domain reform, triggering legislative efforts and constitutional amendments in over forty states to prevent the abuses carried out in New London (although some of those efforts were mostly symbolic). And, in time, and with a change in composition of the Court, perhaps Kelo will eventually be overturned.
I would have liked a little more coverage of the legal issues in the case. But beyond that lack, this book does an excellent job of covering the back story behind one of the most notorious decisions in recent memory. Recommended if you're into law, although don't expect this book to provide a ton of law itself.
August 20, 2018
Unbelievable story that is true! Read it in 3 days! I couldn't put it down!
February 28, 2020
This book had the page-turning urgency of a good "thriller."
January 2, 2015
The Institute for Justice (they sound as self-righteous and cheesy as their organization’s name implies) should issue just one more press release about the Kelo case, maybe something like: “We’re deeply saddened that such an interesting and important subject as eminent domain would be written about so poorly. We wish the author had chosen to be a carnival barker or toll collector rather than a writer. We do, however, wish to confirm that we’re as big a group of tools as we appear to be.”
The general story is interesting, the book is readable and the homeowners facing eviction are generally sympathetic people for whom you can support. But this is not a book I can recommend. The writing veers from okay enough to tawdry to hokey to just plain lousy. Every now and then the author even writes in Special English. Here’s a sample of the writing from a page I just flipped to (page 291 in the hardcover edition):
“Susette figured out that Von Winkle had a difficult time expressing love verbally. But he had no trouble showing it. She was the same way. Maybe that was why, she figured, she liked Von Winkle so much. He was tough as nails but had a heart of gold.”
Yup, a heart of gold.
I could open to any page and find a similar passage.
And the hokey dialogue with the people from the Institute for Justice sounds like a mashup from Hee Haw and The Waltons. There is just no way adults speak this way.
I think I’ve made my point that this book stunk but allow me to pile on just a bit more. The author treated the characters (that truly feels like the right word) unevenly, and from what I could tell from the Acknowledgements the better they cooperated with the author the better they came across in the book. It was puzzling to me why the author vilified some people and seemed to go out of his way to canonize others, that is, until I read the Acknowledgements. One example of someone who got the soft treatment was New London city attorney Tom Londregan who, despite coming across to me as an angry, self-righteous whiner who wears sandpaper underwear, was portrayed as a deeply principled professional. Others on Londregan’s side came across as evil incarnate.
There must be a better book about this subject and if anyone reading this would make a recommendation I’d love to hear it.
The general story is interesting, the book is readable and the homeowners facing eviction are generally sympathetic people for whom you can support. But this is not a book I can recommend. The writing veers from okay enough to tawdry to hokey to just plain lousy. Every now and then the author even writes in Special English. Here’s a sample of the writing from a page I just flipped to (page 291 in the hardcover edition):
“Susette figured out that Von Winkle had a difficult time expressing love verbally. But he had no trouble showing it. She was the same way. Maybe that was why, she figured, she liked Von Winkle so much. He was tough as nails but had a heart of gold.”
Yup, a heart of gold.
I could open to any page and find a similar passage.
And the hokey dialogue with the people from the Institute for Justice sounds like a mashup from Hee Haw and The Waltons. There is just no way adults speak this way.
I think I’ve made my point that this book stunk but allow me to pile on just a bit more. The author treated the characters (that truly feels like the right word) unevenly, and from what I could tell from the Acknowledgements the better they cooperated with the author the better they came across in the book. It was puzzling to me why the author vilified some people and seemed to go out of his way to canonize others, that is, until I read the Acknowledgements. One example of someone who got the soft treatment was New London city attorney Tom Londregan who, despite coming across to me as an angry, self-righteous whiner who wears sandpaper underwear, was portrayed as a deeply principled professional. Others on Londregan’s side came across as evil incarnate.
There must be a better book about this subject and if anyone reading this would make a recommendation I’d love to hear it.
June 6, 2009
I would rate this book more highly if it weren't written, largely, at a sixth grade level: "George Milne hadn't become president of Pfizer's central research by accident." You don't say? Not by accident? Indeed.....do tell.....
Little Pink House is the back story of Kelo v. City of New London, the Supreme Court case of 2005 that ruled it's perfectly okay for a municipality to seize the property (blighted or not) of citizens by eminent domain and give it to a private developer, as long as you argue that such redevelopment would be a public benefit - i.e. that it would generate more tax revenue and/or jobs. We meet Susette Kelo, the lead plaintiff, who lives in the little pink house, and all the other plaintiffs; the villainous and always provocatively dressed Claire Gaudiani, President of Connecticut College and head of the New London Development Corporation, the vehicle of the redevelopment and eminent domain proceedings; George Milne of Pfizer, which agrees to build a virtual university, hotel, and condos on the land; Scott Bullock of the Institute for Justice, the Ayn Rand-inspired nonprofit that brought the Kelo case against New London. There is sleaze and ignominy aplenty and as we know, Goliath beat David. Ultimately Kelo and the one other remaining holdout settled with New London, and Kelo's little pink house was moved to another location in the city and she bought a modest waterfront house in Groton with her settlement money. And crazily enough, after so many years, so much grief, so much private property razed, so much money spent and promised by the state of Connecticut (nearly $100 million) - the land parcels still sit empty, barren and undeveloped because the developer hasn't been able to secure enough financing.
The good news is that the Institute for Justice raised such a public stink that after the Court's decision, many state legislatures acted to restrict eminent domain laws. I was inspired to read the book after seeing a Cspan panel featuring Susette Kelo, Scott Bullock, and the author, Jeff Benedict.
Little Pink House is the back story of Kelo v. City of New London, the Supreme Court case of 2005 that ruled it's perfectly okay for a municipality to seize the property (blighted or not) of citizens by eminent domain and give it to a private developer, as long as you argue that such redevelopment would be a public benefit - i.e. that it would generate more tax revenue and/or jobs. We meet Susette Kelo, the lead plaintiff, who lives in the little pink house, and all the other plaintiffs; the villainous and always provocatively dressed Claire Gaudiani, President of Connecticut College and head of the New London Development Corporation, the vehicle of the redevelopment and eminent domain proceedings; George Milne of Pfizer, which agrees to build a virtual university, hotel, and condos on the land; Scott Bullock of the Institute for Justice, the Ayn Rand-inspired nonprofit that brought the Kelo case against New London. There is sleaze and ignominy aplenty and as we know, Goliath beat David. Ultimately Kelo and the one other remaining holdout settled with New London, and Kelo's little pink house was moved to another location in the city and she bought a modest waterfront house in Groton with her settlement money. And crazily enough, after so many years, so much grief, so much private property razed, so much money spent and promised by the state of Connecticut (nearly $100 million) - the land parcels still sit empty, barren and undeveloped because the developer hasn't been able to secure enough financing.
The good news is that the Institute for Justice raised such a public stink that after the Court's decision, many state legislatures acted to restrict eminent domain laws. I was inspired to read the book after seeing a Cspan panel featuring Susette Kelo, Scott Bullock, and the author, Jeff Benedict.
May 23, 2016
The story behind the Kelo case that gave communities broad rights to eminent domain. The "Little Pink House" is Ms. Kelo's home that she was trying save from the wrecking ball. The City of New London wanted to take it and the rest of her neighborhood for redevelopment into an upscale hotel and retail area to complement a nearby redevelopment for Pfizer. She would not leave and took the legal battle to the Supreme Court.
The view is clearly one-sided, from that of Ms. Kelo. The officials of the local development agency are portrayed as evil single-minded, power-hungry schemers, willing to do anything to get their way. Even if the view is only half-correct, their actions are very bad.
The view is clearly one-sided, from that of Ms. Kelo. The officials of the local development agency are portrayed as evil single-minded, power-hungry schemers, willing to do anything to get their way. Even if the view is only half-correct, their actions are very bad.
November 7, 2009
This is a highly sensationalized book (apparently a movie may on the way) about a landmark eminent domain case that every first-year law student will read in at least one class. The author presents a very one-sided view of the property battle and the participants.
Favorite quote: when describing why they were so anxious to take the case, the plaintiff Kelo's libertarian attorneys noted it was a perfect embodiment of the three things they look for: "(1) sympathetic clients; (2) outrageous facts; and (3) evil villains."
Favorite quote: when describing why they were so anxious to take the case, the plaintiff Kelo's libertarian attorneys noted it was a perfect embodiment of the three things they look for: "(1) sympathetic clients; (2) outrageous facts; and (3) evil villains."
February 5, 2018
The fight to save the this cottage on a bluff in New London, Conn., is a human interest and legal drama told by an extraordinary journalist. It climaxes in a Supreme Court decision, but that is not the end. Being from Connecticut, I recognized the geography and some of the state-level political personae. It added to my engagement, but that's not needed to be caught up in the action.
I very seldom click 5 stars, but this book will be with me for years to come.
I very seldom click 5 stars, but this book will be with me for years to come.
May 26, 2018
I lived in New London when some of this took place, moved away, and then returned. I didn't really understand a lot of what was happening at the time except that eminent domain was being used. Full disclosure that I only read this book because I saw the movie when it was shown at the downtown theatre, The Garde Arts Center. The movie is only about 1/2 of this book.
Interestingly, New London has not changed at all since 1997. The same projects are being discussed. The same dysfunctional politics exists. The same anger and discord exists. You literally could take out the names of this book and replace with names of current projects (check out the proposed Magnet School System and building of new schools), and everything is the same.
But, about the book: it's a biased telling in favor of Susette Kelo and how she lost her property so the city could increase it's tax revenue with big business deals. It's depressing and scary. The author's bias is revealed in the prologue, so it's no surprise to the reader. It's fine that the book is biased; I just wish the author had admitted it instead of claiming that it's a tell-all. I believe what's missing is an accurate depiction of what the Fort Trumbull neighborhood actually looked like, the crime statistics from that area, and the fear some people had about going into that neighborhood. Yes, it was by the water and had historic houses. But a lot of those houses were not cared for, and some unsavory people occupied the area in addition to the people who lived there all of their lives. Also not represented are the thoughts of the City Council members (they are voted in every two years, so there might have been a high turnover).
I found the book to be an easy read and a page-turner. I never really wanted to put it down. There are many characters in play, so the author provides a character list at the front of the book. Here are some additional notes:
-the author is inconsistent with how he calls characters: most men are addressed by last name, most women are addressed by first name except for Kathleen Mitchell who is always addressed by both names or by Mitchell. Sometimes, he uses first names for men. This made it tricky to follow at times.
-no maps or pictures were included in the Kindle version of the book. I don't know about the print version. It would have been nice to see some of what he was talking about, especially the land parcels.
-at times the timeline is inconsistent and jumps. Somethings that happened were mentioned later, somethings only got a little mention (Navy buildings and the auction? What happened there?) and were dropped.
-Susette is the focus of the book and painted in a certain way. She gave the author unlimited access to her life and her notes/memorabilia/papers about the events that occurred. I get this. But reading between the lines I can see that she may not have been as nice of a person as portrayed. Check out the Halloween section, the language used at the construction people. I get it - she was angry and had every right to be - I am just pointing out the bias here.
-there are some editing issues in the book. One glaring problem is that the local newspaper is referred to as "the Day." The name of the paper is "The Day." "The" is part of the name. Throughout, there are punctuation and spacing issues and one part has obvious missing text. There is a jump of missing pieces after the New London court ruled and the case went to State Supreme Court- this wasn't very clear (editing or timeline issue?).
-Because so much happened, so many people and agencies were involved, the author had to select what to include and what to leave out based on what made sense to him. I would have liked more about the fact that New London used eminent domain in the past and displaced a neighborhood. The fact that at least one family in New London had this happen to them two times in one city is astounding.
I have read that many in New London think this is a work of fiction. This is not my belief. It's clear in the book what is fact and what is author bias. I believe this is the ONLY complete written account of what happened here, and it definitely serves as a well-researched and planned telling of how a city, an agency, and a state can be bullies to the little guys with no money.
It is absolutely true that it still smells like s@*t down there at times, that nothing was built, that it is quite barren, and that the city can not get any plans accomplished beyond pipe dreams. The NLDC still exists - it's now called RCDA. The Pfizer building was bought out by Electric Boat, which has caused other issues in the area (parking and traffic congestion between 3:30 - 5:30 daily). It is just all so depressing that people were treated this way for seemingly absolutely no reason.
Interestingly, New London has not changed at all since 1997. The same projects are being discussed. The same dysfunctional politics exists. The same anger and discord exists. You literally could take out the names of this book and replace with names of current projects (check out the proposed Magnet School System and building of new schools), and everything is the same.
But, about the book: it's a biased telling in favor of Susette Kelo and how she lost her property so the city could increase it's tax revenue with big business deals. It's depressing and scary. The author's bias is revealed in the prologue, so it's no surprise to the reader. It's fine that the book is biased; I just wish the author had admitted it instead of claiming that it's a tell-all. I believe what's missing is an accurate depiction of what the Fort Trumbull neighborhood actually looked like, the crime statistics from that area, and the fear some people had about going into that neighborhood. Yes, it was by the water and had historic houses. But a lot of those houses were not cared for, and some unsavory people occupied the area in addition to the people who lived there all of their lives. Also not represented are the thoughts of the City Council members (they are voted in every two years, so there might have been a high turnover).
I found the book to be an easy read and a page-turner. I never really wanted to put it down. There are many characters in play, so the author provides a character list at the front of the book. Here are some additional notes:
-the author is inconsistent with how he calls characters: most men are addressed by last name, most women are addressed by first name except for Kathleen Mitchell who is always addressed by both names or by Mitchell. Sometimes, he uses first names for men. This made it tricky to follow at times.
-no maps or pictures were included in the Kindle version of the book. I don't know about the print version. It would have been nice to see some of what he was talking about, especially the land parcels.
-at times the timeline is inconsistent and jumps. Somethings that happened were mentioned later, somethings only got a little mention (Navy buildings and the auction? What happened there?) and were dropped.
-Susette is the focus of the book and painted in a certain way. She gave the author unlimited access to her life and her notes/memorabilia/papers about the events that occurred. I get this. But reading between the lines I can see that she may not have been as nice of a person as portrayed. Check out the Halloween section, the language used at the construction people. I get it - she was angry and had every right to be - I am just pointing out the bias here.
-there are some editing issues in the book. One glaring problem is that the local newspaper is referred to as "the Day." The name of the paper is "The Day." "The" is part of the name. Throughout, there are punctuation and spacing issues and one part has obvious missing text. There is a jump of missing pieces after the New London court ruled and the case went to State Supreme Court- this wasn't very clear (editing or timeline issue?).
-Because so much happened, so many people and agencies were involved, the author had to select what to include and what to leave out based on what made sense to him. I would have liked more about the fact that New London used eminent domain in the past and displaced a neighborhood. The fact that at least one family in New London had this happen to them two times in one city is astounding.
I have read that many in New London think this is a work of fiction. This is not my belief. It's clear in the book what is fact and what is author bias. I believe this is the ONLY complete written account of what happened here, and it definitely serves as a well-researched and planned telling of how a city, an agency, and a state can be bullies to the little guys with no money.
It is absolutely true that it still smells like s@*t down there at times, that nothing was built, that it is quite barren, and that the city can not get any plans accomplished beyond pipe dreams. The NLDC still exists - it's now called RCDA. The Pfizer building was bought out by Electric Boat, which has caused other issues in the area (parking and traffic congestion between 3:30 - 5:30 daily). It is just all so depressing that people were treated this way for seemingly absolutely no reason.
June 23, 2017
I can count on one hand the books I've given a five-star rating, and I consider myself a fairly avid reader. I read this book because of its mention at a David Crosby concert at the Garde Theater a few weeks back. Jeff Benedict (the author) introduced the performer at the beginning of his show. Later, toward the end of the performance, Mr. Crosby mentioned the Kelo Vs. City of New London case of eminent domain abuse, the movie recently made about the battle, and he sang a song he'd written especially for the film. The song brought tears to my eyes and I knew I had to read the book.
The book does not disappoint. Jeff Benedict is a top shelf journalistic reporter who made this exhaustively researched chronicle a book you just can't put down. Chock full of detail and background and insight into the motivations of the key players, it follows the decade long timeline of former Governor Rowland's and the City of New London's efforts to revitalize a dying city. There wasn't a citizen in the state of Connecticut who wasn't acutely aware of the battle being waged when Pfizer Corporation was enticed to build it's worldwide headquarters on a prime piece of real estate that took the homes and businesses of dozens of working class citizens in New London's Fort Trumbull neighborhood. It's is a politically charged story that resonates for every homeowner in America. Connecticut's own "House of Cards". Read It !!
The book does not disappoint. Jeff Benedict is a top shelf journalistic reporter who made this exhaustively researched chronicle a book you just can't put down. Chock full of detail and background and insight into the motivations of the key players, it follows the decade long timeline of former Governor Rowland's and the City of New London's efforts to revitalize a dying city. There wasn't a citizen in the state of Connecticut who wasn't acutely aware of the battle being waged when Pfizer Corporation was enticed to build it's worldwide headquarters on a prime piece of real estate that took the homes and businesses of dozens of working class citizens in New London's Fort Trumbull neighborhood. It's is a politically charged story that resonates for every homeowner in America. Connecticut's own "House of Cards". Read It !!
January 1, 2020
A very ordinary woman. Never had more than 2 meals a day until she went to school. Used old socks for gloves for years as a kid. Divorced (amicably). Kids grown up. One son nearly killed by a drunk driver. Life was saved by paramedics which led her to train and become one herself, in gratitude. Finds her dream house in a run-down waterfront neighborhood. It takes all her savings to buy it.
Then... along came an ambitious bunch of people who decide they are the movers and shakers and others need to pay attention, get with the program and do as they are told because this is progress: for the good of the community, doncha know, which of course doesn’t mean actual individuals and what they might want.
The tenacity and powerful integrity and simplicity of this woman is fascinating. And the story is excellently told. The amount of research must have overwhelmed me, but the author stays on top and keeps it understandable. He even managed to get interviews with key players on both sides, despite his obvious sympathies with the Little Pink House lady. I found his respect for the “bad guys” impressive as well as unexpected. Bravo!
Then... along came an ambitious bunch of people who decide they are the movers and shakers and others need to pay attention, get with the program and do as they are told because this is progress: for the good of the community, doncha know, which of course doesn’t mean actual individuals and what they might want.
The tenacity and powerful integrity and simplicity of this woman is fascinating. And the story is excellently told. The amount of research must have overwhelmed me, but the author stays on top and keeps it understandable. He even managed to get interviews with key players on both sides, despite his obvious sympathies with the Little Pink House lady. I found his respect for the “bad guys” impressive as well as unexpected. Bravo!
September 26, 2019
This book tells a compelling true story of one neighborhood's -- and primarily one woman's -- fight to save their homes from eminent domain. If the movies "Erin Brockovich" and "A Civil Action"-- or the books upon which they were based -- grabbed you, then you will want to read this story. The author explores both sides of the controversy, which ultimately ended up in the United States Supreme Court. The author does clearly support the homeowners, and one does end up with the sense that he fights on the side of the angels. The book, although old at this point, is well worth the read, if you want to understand one aspect of the power of corporate and military America versus the average Joe.
January 21, 2023
Suzette Kelo bought a fixer upper with waterfront views in New London, CT. Little did she know that the city, a development corporation and Pfizer had their eye on razing the neighborhood for a new pharmaceutical complex along with hotels, conference centers, and high-end housing. Fourteen neighbors refused to sell resulting in an eminent domain struggle that lasted ten years with Suzette taking the charge. Well written, detailed and lengthy, but held my interest. A fascinating story of ordinary people fighting big corporations.
January 2, 2024
I learned about this true story after living in the area for a year snd was excited to read the book. When you live among the places and probably some of the people (although I’ve not met any of them), it makes it even more interesting. Fascinating story with an unbelievably sad ending. Politics can be so ugly, but knowing what’s happened in the past can help us avoid the same mistakes in the future.
September 22, 2018
Hard Struggle...
Eminent domain is a struggle in many cities across the nation. More power to citizens of Turnbull. Such a hard ending with the area never being developed but the homeowners having to move. Only unbelievable part was Kelo’s husband’s miraculous recovery. A good read...
Eminent domain is a struggle in many cities across the nation. More power to citizens of Turnbull. Such a hard ending with the area never being developed but the homeowners having to move. Only unbelievable part was Kelo’s husband’s miraculous recovery. A good read...
February 3, 2019
Solid and compelling book
I find it hard to believe that I would be on the same side of an issue as conservative, militia types, but the story in this book brought me there. The actions of the government were infuriating, and although Suzette prevailed in some ways, there were no true winners in this case.
I find it hard to believe that I would be on the same side of an issue as conservative, militia types, but the story in this book brought me there. The actions of the government were infuriating, and although Suzette prevailed in some ways, there were no true winners in this case.
February 16, 2019
While the story in itself is thrilling and angering at times, Jeff Benedict has the unique talent to tell a story without any real villains. Anything bad happening in his books has a reason and does not really make the people behind the action appear bad. Great writing. The book has been made into a major motion picture, just in case you do not want to enjoy the long version.
January 7, 2019
Eminent domain at its worst
This book is educational and eye opening. It shows how complicated politics and personal opinion can impact people. Sometimes there isn't 1 answer for doing the right thing.
This book is educational and eye opening. It shows how complicated politics and personal opinion can impact people. Sometimes there isn't 1 answer for doing the right thing.
June 27, 2019
This book is very well written and makes a very complicated issue understandable to a lay person. My only issue is his depiction of Kelo makes her seem the typecast hero and a bit artificial.
Apart from that, this is an excellent explanation of the events in New London.
Apart from that, this is an excellent explanation of the events in New London.
December 8, 2021
It was thorough, but perhaps too thorough. I was often lost in the cast of characters, and bored at times. Overall, I liked the book. The defendants in the case were courageous and I my heart went out to them. This book might be why I despise Pfizer so much now though.
January 19, 2026
A landmark case shapes the future of imminent domain in the United States. No matter where you fall on this legally significant issue the author makes you feel the repercussions of this doctrine from the players who lived it.
December 2, 2017
Interesting book about the law and eminent domain. Highly recommend for non-fiction readers.
April 6, 2018
Though a little lengthy at times this book was a very captivating read.
April 12, 2018
Have me a new awareness of the abuse government and private interests can use eminent domain for.
October 5, 2018
Read this after seeing the movie, it of course got into more details and at times could be tedious with all the legal jargon, but it was a great story nonetheless.
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