Meeting Manson

An Uneasy Journey into an All-American Nightmare

De: Erik Hedegaard

Narrado por: Mark Boyett

Once upon a time Rolling Stone contributing editor Erik Hedegaard became the last mainstream media journalist to interview Charles Manson.

But the story he wrote for RS in 2013 didn’t begin to capture the strange and lingering effect Manson would have on his life.

Now, in this Audible Original, you’ll hear about the making of that story, including audio of the phone calls Hedegaard received from Manson on a regular basis, interviews he conducted with Los Angeles District Attorney Vincent Bugliosi, as well as conversations he had with Manson Family members including Bobby Beausoleil, Lynette "Squeaky" Fromme, and then-Manson-girlfriend Afton Elaine Burton. Hedegaard revisits Manson’s forgotten career as a musician, Rolling Stone’s own history in mythologizing Manson “as the most dangerous man on earth”, and the various theories as to why so many “lost girls” found themselves in Charlie’s web and committed such brutal acts of violence.

But what makes Meeting Manson a remarkably different listen is the pain and vulnerability that Hedegaard reveals after Manson touches him on the arm. Hedegaard bravely explores how he felt both pleased and haunted by the touch of a mass murderer - and how it even changed his life. For a time.

Fifty years after one of the most senseless crime in history, hear one of America’s best storytellers share a Manson narrative unlike any you’ve ever heard before.

©2020 Audible Originals, LLC (P)2020 Audible Originals, LLC.

Personal,Real,Insightful

Firstly, the narrator was excellent. The Authors story includes recordings of his conversations with Manson, over the telephone. It was interesting to hear Manson's voice. They even played a snippet of him playing the guitar and singing one of his songs. At the beginning we are told that the recordings of Manson were not of the highest quality(with reasonable explanation included) however, I was still able to pick up most of what he said, and just replayed the few other instances. I think it's important to note that the rest of the recording is of outstanding quality. I was impressed with the Authors willingness to share how he was personally effected by talking with Manson, and his insightfulness into other members of "The Family" He also spoke with Bulgleosie (Manson's prosecuting lawyer, in which we get to hear over the telephone, as well)Also included are a few telephone recordings of key characters in what happened in that summer of 1969) This isn't an INTERVIEW type of communication either, but rather has the feel of intimacy. The Author doesn't depend on the recordings to carry the experience, rather using them to set the stage. The author was allowed a personal visit with Manson, and had many calls that were not recorded, yet did a FABULOUS job of relating those experiences to us. So far, this is THE BEST of ANY, written or televised, narrative of Charles Manson I've ever experienced. There isn't any Groundbreaking new uncovered information, it isn't that type of book. Yet the other possible motives that have been mentioned over the years, and the Authors understanding of the feel of the country at that time, leads me to conclude it is more closely resembling the truth behind the actions of those people....as much sense as you can make out of senslessness anyway. I highly recommend this.

Meeting manson

I never got bored. this book was interesting and lets the audience get to know Manson a little bit.

meeting manson

This story was so real. I grew up in Wichita ks home of btk...so killers were freaky, but I had to read their stories I just had to. charlie's voice is so creepy....

The genuity of the book.

this story was very well told and gave me a different perspective on the Manson case.

Interesting

It was a good listen. Loved hearing Manson's words. It was very interesting how it was put together.

Excellent.

This is the most insightful writing about Manson I’ve read to date. Highly recommend it.

interesting

worth the read. can't complain. charley was a dangerous and deranged man... im sure you know that

excellent story, editing and presentation

Excellent in its presentation and provides a more comprehensive understanding and context of these defining events during that tumultuous time in our history. thank you

interesting listen

I found the author's relationship with Manson the most interesting part. it also makes me wonder how many people were manipulated by Manson behind bars.

Interesting info about Manson

Good book and interesting new (to me) info about Manson, including the audio of him singing. He was surprisingly good (at singing).