Death in the Air by Kate Winkler Dawson is a riveting story about the effects of air pollution in society. It intertwines the workings of Norman Dodds, an air pollution activist, with a short biography about a serial killer named John Renigald Christie who unnerved London after it was recovering from World War ll. During 1952 London was struck with a great smog which killed over 10,000 people due to the fact that the government refused to acknowledge the pollution that plagued the city. The government’s actions forced Norman Dodd’s arguments to become urgent and pleading, while at the same time aggressive and demanding. He delicately balances these emotions to make many compelling arguments to his opponents. As Dodds struggles with his rivals, at times he shows desperation, which adds even more emotion to his feuds. Meanwhile, Christie’s murderous operation is being recounted. The narrator articulates Christie’s every thought and emotion as he horrifically murders women. Each idea is carefully analyzed to show Christie’s intentions which entices the reader further by allowing them to delve into the inner workings of his twisted mind. Moreover, the entire book is composed of quotes from people who were affiliated with Christie and Dodds’. This element makes the book seem almost three-dimensional and further attracts the reader.

One thing I really enjoyed about this book was the historical aspect regarding the battles citizens of London encountered with the smog and the problems Norman Dodds experienced towards attempting to restrict air pollution laws in London; simultaneously, the people’s health was significantly decreasing because of the lack of fresh air. This account of the tragedy is a way for victims to have voice after being affected by the smog. Furthermore, the historical recount  highlights the idea of ignorance in society and how it can lead to disaster, thus influencing the overall theme of the book.

Another thing I adored about this piece was the way Kate Winkler Dawson used photos and the book’s cover to set the general tone of the story. The tone is very solemn yet inspiring because it is placed in wartorn England, where the effects of the conflict are still present in their economy. The cover of the book expresses the sorrow many citizens felt by portraying the emotional turmoil smog victims went through as they fought for cleaner air in their society. However, the people are still very optimistic towards the inclination of their country towards progress. The author shows this through multiple pages filled with photos that illustrates Dodds giving speeches and Christie testifying in court, which are inserted into the book to create an inspirational message by displaying the emotions that cursed through the courtroom as Christie was indicted.

This book is very elaborate and irresistible to those who appreciate being educated on historical events and how they have shaped society. Death in the Air also entangles many different genres of books into one and because of that it is appealing to an incredibly large audience.