A Father's Story

I found this book a fascinating and very interesting read. Compulsive reading for anyone interested in True Crime and also anyone who can relate to coming from a dysfunctional family. Lionel Dahmer comes across as searingly honest as he lays bare his own flaws searching for answers as to why his son committed such horrific crimes. He gives us a very detailed picture of Jeffrey as a child and teenager. Nothing is left out as he fills us in on the trial, the types of letters sent to Jeffrey in prison and the contents of his apartment. The book is beautifully written and Lionels love for his son, hopelessness and despair over the situation, and compassion for the victims families shine through.

As a father and a grandfather I have to say this is a heartbreakingly fantastic book. My heart goes out to the victims, their families and also to Lionel, Shari and Lionel’s mother. Jeffrey Dahmer was a tortured soul and one cannot help but feel he was a victim too. This book is highly recommended…

It is forgotten how much the families of serial killers paedophiles and rapists become victims too and though we may give them a passing thought I don’t believe we are aware of the huge long term impact on them. The father is very honest about his own short comings but which of us is a perfect parent? The part regarding the unconditional love of his grandma I found very moving and heartbreaking. There is no real dwelling on gruesome details but rather and account of a family blown apart.

Such an honest book! I can’t even begin to imagine how this man and his family feel. It is told with compassion for the victims, and their families but also gives an honest account of a father’s unbearable journey to discover what his son had become.

So, I watched the Netflix series, and I had my opinions, however as a parent read this book written from a parents perspective. It’s an easy read (I read it in a couple of days) but, the content will stay with you a long time. I found myself feeling sorry for the dad at times, but this is not the intention of the author. He blames himself greatly for his son’s behaviour. Good debate for nature/nurture.