I first heard of Stockholm Syndrome with Patty Hearst and her kidnapping. I have since heard it, recently, being applied to women who stay in domestic violence relationships. I never knew how or why the term came about though. When I saw this book I knew I wanted to read it. I was afraid, though, that it might be boring. I’m happy to say I wasn’t bored at all. David King wrote an extensive and intelligible story. I read some every day, taking time to think over what I was reading. He took us inside the bank with Janne, Clark and the hostages and also outside it with the police, politicians and reporters. Mr King also followed up on the hostages, Janne and Clark, which was fascinating. It was interesting to read how the hostages, especially Kristin, acted and felt after being released. I must say I was surprised that Clark was brought in to aid the police. I can’t imagine that happening now. It was a very riveting part of the story for me. I imagine that coming in after the hostages had been taken, with police permission, the hostages must of seen him as a rescuer from the start. I think, perhaps, this is why it was easy to form an attachment to him. It may be why, when he showed them he was with Janne, they changed their view of the bank robber. Maybe it opened the door to them seeing Janne as someone who just wanted the best outcome for them. It was certainly a distorted view as Janne took them hostage and threatened them repeatedly with death. This is only a glimpse into all I am thinking over after reading Six Days in August. I would love to see this book in a book club as there is much to discuss in it.
From reading this book I have learned a lot about Stockholm Syndrome and I have been given a lot to think about. I would recommend it to readers who are interested in true crime and psychology. I was given an advanced reader electronic copy of the book, through NetGalley, for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based on my experience with reading the book and how I felt afterwards. ( )