Elizabeth Freeman

The title "Sociopath" initially drew me in with its promise of insight into this complex personality disorder. Unfortunately, the book failed to deliver, instead presenting a shallow, narcissistic narrative that read like poorly crafted fiction. The author's childhood experiences were intriguing, offering an early glimmer of hope for a compelling memoir. However, the remainder of the book devolved into a repetitive, self-serving account of entitled and selfish behavior. Rather than shedding light on the sociopathic mindset, the author's story reinforced negative stereotypes, portraying sociopaths as soulless individuals devoid of empathy and accountability. I found myself struggling to connect with the author's voice, which became grating and monotonous. The writing style lacked depth, mirroring the author's stunning lack of any kindness and empathy. The author's attempt to rebrand sociopaths for any of their positive characteristics fell flat, coming across as a twisted apologia. What I had hoped would be a thought-provoking exploration of sociopathy turned out to be a disappointing, unconvincing read. With its lack of genuine introspection and shallow tone, I cannot recommend "Sociopath" to anyone seeking a meaningful understanding of this topic. I've heard the words sociopath and apathy enough for a lifetime. I also feel empathy for anyone who has survived this narcissistic jeremiad.