I Ll Be Gone In The Dark Quote
Michelle McNamara’s book “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” is a chilling true crime story that chronicles the hunt for the Golden State Killer, one of the most notorious serial killers in US history. McNamara’s writing style is gripping and immersive, and her use of language is both haunting and beautiful. In this article, we’ve compiled some of the most memorable quotes from the book, which will give you a glimpse of McNamara’s writing and the dark world she was trying to uncover.
1. “The light between us is starting to go out, but it still shines, just enough to show us where we’re headed.”
This quote comes from the beginning of the book and sets the tone for what’s to come. McNamara is describing the distance between herself and the Golden State Killer, who she knows is still out there. The “light” is a metaphor for hope, but it’s fading, indicating that McNamara knows she may not be able to solve the case before her time is up.
2. “The living deserve attention, not the dead.”
This quote is McNamara’s way of reminding us that the victims of crimes like the Golden State Killer are more than just statistics. They were real people with lives, families, and dreams. It’s important to remember the humanity of victims, even when discussing the worst crimes.
3. “It's chaos. Be kind.”
This quote is a simple reminder that even in the midst of darkness and chaos, we should always strive to be kind to one another. McNamara included this quote in a blog post she wrote about the Boston Marathon bombings, and it’s just as relevant now as it was then.
4. “Evil thrives on invisibility. If you stare at it long enough, it begins to take on a face.”
This quote is a powerful statement about the nature of evil. McNamara understood that the more we know about a criminal, the more power we have over them. By shining a light on the Golden State Killer’s crimes, she was taking away some of his power and making him visible to the world.
5. “We all have an unsolved mystery in our lives.”
This quote is McNamara’s way of reminding us that we all have something in our lives that we can’t quite figure out. Whether it’s a personal problem, a family secret, or a larger societal issue, we all have something that we’re trying to solve. McNamara’s work on the Golden State Killer case is an example of how one person’s obsession with a mystery can lead to important discoveries.
6. “The monster is the truth.”
This quote is McNamara’s way of acknowledging that the truth can be just as terrifying as a monster. The Golden State Killer’s crimes were horrific, but uncovering the truth about them was also a daunting task. McNamara knew that the more she learned about the case, the harder it would be to confront the reality of what happened.
7. “There’s a scream permanently lodged in my throat now.”
This quote is McNamara’s way of expressing the horror and trauma that comes with investigating crimes like the ones committed by the Golden State Killer. The scream in her throat represents the pain and fear she felt as she delved deeper into the case.
8. “The monster is not an aberration, but a consequence.”
This quote is McNamara’s way of reminding us that criminals like the Golden State Killer don’t come out of nowhere. They are often the product of a broken system, a society that doesn’t value human life, or a childhood marked by abuse and neglect. Understanding the root causes of crime is essential if we want to prevent it from happening in the future.
9. “The killer is out there. And he’s not finished.”
This quote is McNamara’s way of reminding us that the Golden State Killer is still at large. At the time of her death, McNamara was convinced that she was getting closer to solving the case, but unfortunately, she never got the chance to see it through. The fact that the killer is still out there is a chilling reminder of how much work there is left to do.
10. “I love my husband. But I also love the unsolved mystery. And I may love the latter more.”
This quote, which comes from a letter McNamara wrote to her husband, is a testament to her dedication to the Golden State Killer case. McNamara’s love for the mystery was all-consuming, and it’s clear that it was a driving force in her life. This quote is a reminder that sometimes our passions can be just as important as our relationships.
Conclusion
Michelle McNamara’s “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” is a powerful and haunting book that will stay with you long after you’ve finished reading it. These quotes offer a glimpse into the mind of a writer who was obsessed with uncovering the truth about one of the most notorious serial killers in US history. McNamara’s writing is both beautiful and chilling, and her insights into the nature of crime and the human condition are profound. If you haven’t read “I’ll Be Gone in the Dark” yet, we highly recommend it.