Search - A Father's Story

I was fortunate enough to procure this in hardcover when it was released, and I doubt there will be a second run since it wasn't well-received by the media (who I don't think bothered to read it, instead chastising Lionel for trying to capitalize on his son's gruesome crimes). Lionel Dahmer, father of Milwaukee serial killer Jeffrey, has left us a poignant and candid memoir facing his own demons and trying to find out what darkness inside of him might have become part of his child. I found it moving, and have returned to it time and again.

Lionel Dahmer delves into his own life and psyche and tries to explain to the public and himself how his son Jeffrey Dahmer - the notorious serial killer who was caught and imprisoned in 1991 - turned from loving son to gruesome murderer. He psychoanalyzes himself and tries to pinpoint the traits in himself that turned so wrong in his son. This is the second time that I've read this book and I give it an A+!

I enjoyed it and I felt that Mr Dahmer really did take on a lot of the blame for his son's crimes. An excellent look into the back story of Jeff Dahmer.

Chemist Lionel Dahmer recounts his complete denial when he first heard his son Jeffrey Dahmer was accussed of horendous murders. As evidence accumulates Lionel recounts his incremental degrees of steps toward realization of his son's actions. Family memoir, confession of the saddest truth a parent can know.