This book is based on facts gathered from trial transcripts, records, newspaper reports, etc, but tells the from Minnie’s point of view. In her version the babies and children accidently died and she panicked and buried the bodies in the garden. This is plausible as the infant mortality rate was high in the 1890s and she was viewed with enough suspicion by the authorities that she would be in serious trouble. Society in 1890 was male focused and anyone different was frowned upon. By today’s standards there was reasonable doubt but things were different then.
This book is thought-provoking and very well written, showing another side to the story. I knew of the crime growing up and always thought Minnie Dean was an evil monster who went around smothering babies and got what she deserved. Now I think this is another David Bain case and you’ll never be sure of her guilt. This is a good read though the historical facts are a bit dry and slow going. I’m not sure how interesting the case will be to international readers but it does show how life was back then for pioneers.
