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A Father's Story Paperback – May 28, 2021

by Lionel Dahmer (Author)
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,927 ratings
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Raising a Serial Killer

Father's Search for Answers

In July of 1991 the country was shocked by the unfathomable crimes of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer. But no one was more shocked than his parents. In A Father's Story, the reader is witness to the incremental unraveling of a parent's image of their child, and the "thousand different reactions" that follow. In his attempt to understand the nature of his son's psychosis, Lionel Dahmer methodically scrutinizes every possible contributing factor to his son's madness. His desperation is palpable as he searches for clues in the emotional, psychological, and genetic landscape of his son's life.

Riveting and soul-wrenching, this unprecedented memoir is the confession of a father who must "confront the saddest truth a human can know-that his child has somehow crossed the line that separates the human from the monstrous."

Echo Point's updated edition is also available in hardcover (search for ISBN 1648370535).

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Previous page
  1. Print length
    268 pages
  2. Language
    English
  3. Publisher
    Echo Point Books & Media, LLC
  4. Publication date
    May 28, 2021
  5. Dimensions
    5 x 0.61 x 8 inches
  6. ISBN-10
    1635615631
  7. ISBN-13
    978-1635615630
  8. See all details
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Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Echo Point Books & Media, LLC; 2nd ed. edition (May 28, 2021)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Paperback ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1635615631
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1635615630
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 10.4 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5 x 0.61 x 8 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 1,927 ratings

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Lionel Dahmer

Lionel Dahmer

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
1,927 global ratings
One of the best books on a family’s account of their child
5 Stars
One of the best books on a family’s account of their child
This book tells the story of Jeff’s childhood and growing up years to the time he was arrested. I was able to piece together whom he inherited his alcohol addiction from, his extreme control issues, his severe autism traits, his dark personality. It’s a very good book on his father’s account. I found out more about Jeff from this book more than the tv documentaries. I like how this book has some family pictures.
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Top reviews from the United States

Shelby Gann
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read on a tragic story
Reviewed in the United States on March 26, 2024
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Great read. It's good to have an inside look at the family of the monsters. Where they came from, who they were before it all happened, what, if anything, can we as a society look for..?
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Gh0sty
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written and deeply reflective
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2023
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For me, reading this book gave me a different perspective into Jeff's background but it is also about seeing experiences through his father's eyes and understanding the memories, questions and feelings he was processing in relation to Jeff's upbringing and everything that led up to the crimes. It seems there was also a part of him that felt like he had lost his son long before Jeff's death, and it sounds like the connection was strongest toward the end. If he felt that he couldn't get close to Jeff before or that Jeff was closed off for most of his life, this might explain why Lionel could only offer information about what he saw in his son and how he responded to it. I do think it would have been interesting to hear more about their positive experiences together during Jeff's childhood, because that is equally important for seeing the whole picture, but I still got a lot from the book regardless. I also found the writing kept me engaged and wanting to know more, he has a way of putting things simply yet conveying it with depth and meaning. The book overall is worth the read, in my opinion.
2 people found this helpful
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john
4.0 out of 5 stars Very interesting
Reviewed in the United States on November 2, 2022
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A very interesting read that gives you some real insight to Jeff and his life growing up. Besides his mother and father not figuring out their relationship for the most part he had a very normal up brining. Very cool to see the perspective from a parents view. Almost heartbreaking in a sense the stuff his father and step mother went through. I respect Mr Dahmer and how he handled everything, was there for his son in all the right way.
2 people found this helpful
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Zarina
5.0 out of 5 stars Astounding Book and a MUST-HAVE Read
Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
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I never give anything a review because they seem pointless to me, however, I can’t remain silent In regards to this book. Serial Killers, especially Ted Bundy and Jeff have always sent me into deep thought of what the meaning of life really is, or if there is even a meaning to it. I usually stick to “primary” sources for these two, or first-hand accounts because I find them more fascinating and riveting. This book, I can not stress enough, is hands down the most riveting, thought-provoking, and emotional first-hand account. My respect for Lionel Dahmer is immeasurable for the pain he has dealt with regarding his son is immense. His writing style is immaculate and you can tell that he poured all his effort into this book, which as the father of the infamous Jeffrey Dahmer, could be deemed emotionally exhausting. Dahmer let’s the reader relive his experience in a vulnerable way that I have never seen before. He talks about his internal conflicts and thoughts that he had at the time and when he wrote the book, and of course, his experience with his son Jeff. If you are a true crime geek, or want to hear the story of Jeff in the perspective of his own flesh and blood, this is for you. As Lionel mentions, it just makes you wonder where and when things went cause murder.
8 people found this helpful
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kelsey
5.0 out of 5 stars Great book.
Reviewed in the United States on October 28, 2022
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I have been very intrigued with the Jeffrey Dahmer case after watching the new series on Netflix. However, I realized after doing so much research that so many things were not true in the series. I mean it’s to be expected since it is not a documentary, but for entertainment. I decided to get this book to see what Lionel had to say. It was an awesome read. I read it within a couple weeks but I guarantee I would’ve gotten done with it in two days if I didn’t have two little ones to care for and work. Definitely learned some new things I wasn’t aware of and made me feel for him because as a mother myself, I am sure I would still stand by my children if they grew up to do bad things. You can’t help but think of them in their innocent days I’m sure in that situation and I’m sure I’d also blame myself, as did he. But I hope Lionel knows that his parenting and what he did had nothing to do with Jeff’s unfortunate actions. That was all on him. Anyway, I definitely think this book was worth the read and anyone else that is interested in learning more about Jeffrey Dahmer & his dads outlook I would 100% recommend this book. Don’t go by the show. I saw Lionel is NOT happy with it being put out, as he was not notified about it and lots of untrue events were added in it. He said everything he needs to say is right here in this book!
29 people found this helpful
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Catholic Priest
5.0 out of 5 stars Parental love
Reviewed in the United States on December 2, 2023
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This book is, above all, a testimony to a parent’s unconditional love for a child. It is also a story that could be anyone’s…a good, decent man who discovers that his son has done the unimaginable. There is nothing sensationalistic in this book (the crimes are referred to but not described) and Mr. Dahmer’s grief for the victims, their families, and for the loss of his son is palpable. His insights—-and self-admitted confusion—-about what led his son to destroy so many lives is difficult to read. The afterward, written following Jeff’s death, was very helpful. After so much suffering and self-questioning, Mr. Dahmer was able to form a deeper connection with his son and see him in the process of “coming back” to being truly human. I remember when Jeff was killed I felt deep sadness, because it was one more death, one more tragedy. Mr. Dahmer wrote this book to help other parents and it achieves that goal. There are many parents of adult children who have committed extreme forms of violence. They are frequently and unjustly vilified and feel isolated. “A Father’s Story” could help them find a measure of peace and assure them that it is not a disservice to the victims to continue to love their children and stand by them.
5 people found this helpful
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Amazon Reviewer
3.0 out of 5 stars Parental love is eternal
Reviewed in the United States on November 25, 2022
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There is no doubt that Lionel Dahmer loved his son Jeff. How can a parent understand how their once sweet child grew up and turned into a monster? Lionel attempts to make sense of Jeff’s life in hopes of an answer on how his son turned out to be a serial killer. Lionel includes his thoughts and feelings through out his ordeal. I did find this book hard to stay interested in as Lionel frequently repeats himself in many way. However, this book is a must read for any true crime fan.
One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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Kelly
5.0 out of 5 stars Great read!
Reviewed in Canada on September 15, 2023
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Incredible to read Jeff Dahmer’s story from his father’s POV! I bought it as a gift to someone and just had to read it myself first. If you’re a fan of true crime, this is an interesting read!
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Cliente Kindle
5.0 out of 5 stars Um ótimo livro
Reviewed in Brazil on December 29, 2022
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Inicialmente, comprei a versão kindle, pois o preço estava muito acessível e também nessa versão tem a opção de tradução. Agora farei a aquisição do livro físico, porque dos livros que li sobre o Dahmer, eu achei esse o melhor. No livro, o pai relata memórias desde a infância até o final da vida de Dahmer e inclui fotos de família. Ele pontua algumas mudanças de comportamento que o filho apresentou e também faz algumas relações com a sua própria vida. Acho que esse livro deveria ser lido por qualquer pai e mãe, bem como por quem gosta de true crime. Vale frisar que no livro o pai não aborda muito sobre os crimes do Dahmer, ele relata mais sobre a relação familiar e as consequências das ações do filho.
7 people found this helpful
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Nicola brooks
5.0 out of 5 stars Good read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 8, 2023
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I loved the Dahmer Netflix show. And this was a really good read about his childhood and how his mum and dad were when he was younger. Really Interesting, couldn’t put it down
One person found this helpful
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Viktoria Gleißner
5.0 out of 5 stars Very moving insight of a father
Reviewed in Germany on July 23, 2023
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I did not/do not know much about Jeffrey Dahmer except the name - I was all the more interested in the story. An interesting, moving insight of a father - starting with Jeffreys' childhood, etc. How can you deal with such a situation? Strong recommendation!
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Satyapriya Roy
5.0 out of 5 stars A very compelling story!
Reviewed in India on June 30, 2023
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I found this book a very heart-wrenching and a compelling story of a helpless father who tried every bit to alter his son's fate, but destiny had something completely different and dark in store. His observations of his own son, his nuances, the circumstances, etc., are in complete raw and true form. I can only sympathize with Lionel. This book is highly recommended.
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Satyapriya Roy
5.0 out of 5 stars A very compelling story!
Reviewed in India on June 30, 2023
I found this book a very heart-wrenching and a compelling story of a helpless father who tried every bit to alter his son's fate, but destiny had something completely different and dark in store. His observations of his own son, his nuances, the circumstances, etc., are in complete raw and true form. I can only sympathize with Lionel. This book is highly recommended.
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