Susan Smith: Victim or Murderer

Susan Smith - Victim or Murderer tackles the burning questions that grip everyone exposed to this news story: Why did she kill her own children? What was she thinking or feeling at the time of the crime? Was she psychotic - totally out of touch with reality? Did her own father's suicide twist her mind as she was growing up as a child herself? These and other questions are explored by Dr. George Rekers. Susan Smith - Victim or Murderer weaves psychological insight into the compelling mystery of why this seemingly caring mother would kill her own helpless little children. The story of the drowning of Michael and Alex by Susan Smith has gripped the nation like no other comparable case. A "murdering mother" demands much explaining. We expect every mother will instinctively care for and lovingly protect her dependent children. Susan Smith - Victim or Murderer tells the story of the crime that has captured the interest of the American people. Questions and issues about this case can be found in conversation across the United States. It is a story that will not go away. Dr. Rekers explores the facts and offers fascinating psychological explanations to help the public understand both the significant mental problems and the legal responsibilities for one's behavior.

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Susan Smith's murder of her two young sons has been swept off the front page by other equally horrific events, but the questions about the crime and the criminal still linger, mostly because it remains so hard to believe that a by-all-accounts loving mother would kill her own sons. Rekers is the clinical psychologist who served as the designated spokesperson for the University of South Carolina School of Medicine, where Smith had her mental evaluation. Drawing from both medical records that have been made public as well as court transcripts, Rekers attempts to create a psychological portrait of the mother as murderer. His use of a modified question-and-answer format ("What is different between a criminal mind and a mentally disturbed mind?" ) lends a certain clarity of focus, but the advantages are offset by repetitiveness. In addition, Rekers' writing style occasionally borders on the baroque ("The dark hues and complex shading of pure tragedy were cast over their union . . . piling stress upon stress on the tender, delicate bond of their togetherness" ). Despite the desperate need for an editor, the book does succeed in its basic goal of presenting Susan inside out, so to speak. Is the public still interested? A tough call--Smith's brand of grisly fame vanishes quickly--but publicity is still likely to engender a spate of requests.