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Meredith: Our Daughter's Murder, and the Heartbreaking Quest for the Truth
Meredith Kercher was tragically murdered in November 2007, in Perugia, Italy. Since then, her murder and the subsequent trial have been a source of constant intrigue and media speculation all around the world, with the spotlight famously focusing on the accused, Amanda Knox and Raffaele Sollecito. Now, Meredith's father John speaks out for the first time and tells the world about the beautiful daughter he and his family so tragically lost.
This book is a celebration of Meredith's life. It is also a father's story of losing a beloved daughter, and the first account of the torment the family have suffered and their ongoing quest for justice.
This book is a celebration of Meredith's life. It is also a father's story of losing a beloved daughter, and the first account of the torment the family have suffered and their ongoing quest for justice.
304 pages, Hardcover
First published April 1, 2012
15 people are currently reading
213 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 25, 2018
A moving and heartfelt account of the life of Meredith Kercher, who was murdered whilst living and studying in the Italian town of Perugia, Italy. This case has been so widely documented across the world as so many nationalities have been involved, during which time Meredith’s family have remained stoic yet determined in their quest to seek justice for their daughter and sister.
The author, Meredith’s father, is also a journalist, so his writing is easy enough to digest as he retells Meredith’s story from her childhood until her tragic and untimely death. The last few chapters focus on the infamous Knox and Sollicito trial and their controversial acquittal. The author is graceful and avoids much of his own personal speculation only concluding at the very end that he and his family feel that justice has not yet been fully served for Meredith.
A worthwhile read for those wishing to avoid the tabloid rich side of the story.
The author, Meredith’s father, is also a journalist, so his writing is easy enough to digest as he retells Meredith’s story from her childhood until her tragic and untimely death. The last few chapters focus on the infamous Knox and Sollicito trial and their controversial acquittal. The author is graceful and avoids much of his own personal speculation only concluding at the very end that he and his family feel that justice has not yet been fully served for Meredith.
A worthwhile read for those wishing to avoid the tabloid rich side of the story.
April 1, 2021
Amanda Knox was to meet John and Arleen Kercher, parents of her slain roommate Meredith, at the airport. It was not to be. By the time they arrived from the U.K., Amanda was in jail along with boyfriend Raffaele Solecito and Patrick Lumumba, her boss at a local pub. The Kerchers were received instead by Prosecutor Mignini and Pergua police, who assured that their daughter’s killers were already in custody. Meredith had died, they were told, when forced to participate in a satanic sex game that had gone wrong. They were encouraged to retain a civil attorney and file a wrongful death suit against the defendants, and in this way to participate in the trial.
When forensic results from the crime scene came back from Rome a few days later, bloody fingerprints and DNA identified Perugia local Rudy Guede as the only other person in the murder room with Meredith Kercher. There was no trace of any of the three people police had arrested. Rather than admit this enormous blunder, prosecutor Mignini suggested to the Kerchers and the international press that “yet a fourth person may also have been involved.” Thus began a scramble to save their reputations and cover up their blunder, and they cynically exploited a murdered girl’s parents to assist in this endeavor.
And so we have this book …
Amanda Knox has famously testified to the absolute trust she placed in Perugia's police and prosector and how ruthlessly they betrayed it.
John Kercher was their other victim. He trusted them to find justice for his fallen daughter. Amanda has long since been disillusioned, but Kercher kept the faith until his death in 2020. Sadly, with this book he beccame little more than their dupe.
Intended as a memorial for Meredith, his book is ultimately a mindless repetition of the discredited lies and false evidence used to convict Amanda in the hysteria of the first trial. Absent the hysteria, that same "evidence" was exposed as ludicrous in the second trial, and despite the Nencini reconviction, confirmed in the motivations of the final supreme court acquittal. Perugia's police and prosecutor now have much to answer for.
Meanwhile the Kerchers' attorney faces a bleak payday, sitting on $12M in judgments against Amanda, Raphaele, and Rudy. The last of these is surely worthless. The other two held a remote promise that slipped away with the final acquittal.
Which brings us back to John Kercher. The senseless loss of a bright and promising young daughter is tragedy enough for any man. It is compounded here by his trust in a lawyer clinging to the forlorn hope of a payday, and a corrupt police department scrambling to save themselves. These are his sources, and for $44 you can find out what they told him.
Meredith deserved better than this sad legacy.
When forensic results from the crime scene came back from Rome a few days later, bloody fingerprints and DNA identified Perugia local Rudy Guede as the only other person in the murder room with Meredith Kercher. There was no trace of any of the three people police had arrested. Rather than admit this enormous blunder, prosecutor Mignini suggested to the Kerchers and the international press that “yet a fourth person may also have been involved.” Thus began a scramble to save their reputations and cover up their blunder, and they cynically exploited a murdered girl’s parents to assist in this endeavor.
And so we have this book …
Amanda Knox has famously testified to the absolute trust she placed in Perugia's police and prosector and how ruthlessly they betrayed it.
John Kercher was their other victim. He trusted them to find justice for his fallen daughter. Amanda has long since been disillusioned, but Kercher kept the faith until his death in 2020. Sadly, with this book he beccame little more than their dupe.
Intended as a memorial for Meredith, his book is ultimately a mindless repetition of the discredited lies and false evidence used to convict Amanda in the hysteria of the first trial. Absent the hysteria, that same "evidence" was exposed as ludicrous in the second trial, and despite the Nencini reconviction, confirmed in the motivations of the final supreme court acquittal. Perugia's police and prosecutor now have much to answer for.
Meanwhile the Kerchers' attorney faces a bleak payday, sitting on $12M in judgments against Amanda, Raphaele, and Rudy. The last of these is surely worthless. The other two held a remote promise that slipped away with the final acquittal.
Which brings us back to John Kercher. The senseless loss of a bright and promising young daughter is tragedy enough for any man. It is compounded here by his trust in a lawyer clinging to the forlorn hope of a payday, and a corrupt police department scrambling to save themselves. These are his sources, and for $44 you can find out what they told him.
Meredith deserved better than this sad legacy.
July 19, 2015
When the news first came out I thought, like most people, it would be a short trial before the murderers go to jail for a very long time. Yet, this is one of the most baffling cases I have tried to get my head around. Meredith Kercher was a beautiful and talented young girl that had so much to live for. Her photographs show her personality and loving nature. Yet, like her father says, the attention has always been on Amanda Knox. Why? I have no idea...she seems so boisterous and cunning. She acts naive but she isn't. It is like a game to her. Although the recent court case has, once again, let them off I strongly believe another case will be brought forward. It has too. Too much mystery to let it go. The amount of evidence that pins all suspects has to have an ending. An emotional read. May you rest in peace, Meredith Kercher!
February 7, 2017
"Remember you are never alone, I am always with you when you roam. So close your eyes, I'm with you still. I haven't left you, I never will." - Stephanie Kercher, 'Don't Say Goodbye'.
During the first chapter I felt like John repeated himself a few times, and this happened a handful more throughout the book, which wasn't bad or annoying it was just noticable. I didn't expect to feel so much emotion, but every page and every word written was filled with pain and injustice and they just felt heavy with sorrow. It was so heart wrenching.
I truly enjoyed this book, it was beyond amazing. It's broken down in such a brilliant way. I was never confused about the trails as John explained them well and the overall book was a pleasure to read.
During the first chapter I felt like John repeated himself a few times, and this happened a handful more throughout the book, which wasn't bad or annoying it was just noticable. I didn't expect to feel so much emotion, but every page and every word written was filled with pain and injustice and they just felt heavy with sorrow. It was so heart wrenching.
I truly enjoyed this book, it was beyond amazing. It's broken down in such a brilliant way. I was never confused about the trails as John explained them well and the overall book was a pleasure to read.
August 2, 2014
I have been reading about the tragic murder of Meredith Kercher and I was really looking forward to read a book about it, especially from the Kerchers point of view. It was an emotional read as John Kercher sucessfully shared his emotion and point of view of the horrific tragedy as a father of the victim. From the stories in the book, I can imagine how beautiful and kind Meredith was, and how much she was (and still is) loved by many. And I can imagine how this tragedy is agonizing, emotionally and physically taxing for the Kerchers family since November 2007. While there is still long way to find the truth, I hope eventually there is justice for Meredith and her family. Rest In Peace Meredith Kercher.
June 24, 2016
A whole book about a young woman who has been almost completely forgotten -- the victim of the crime at the center of what I have come to think of as !!!THE AMANDA KNOX SHOW!!! This story is written from the viewpoint of Meredith's father. He does not dig very deeply into what it has been like for him and his family to cope on a daily basis with Meredith's murder, but he paints a very clear picture of what it is like to face the courtroom, the paparazzi, the funeral, and the sacks of mail sent in support from friends, relatives and total strangers. He also helps clear away some of the nonsense about the court proceedings that we've heard in the media, but even he cannot explain some of the legal decisions in here. This one is well worth your time.
February 3, 2014
how can i give this book anything other than 5 stars? the book has lovingly been written by merediths father to give an insight into what meredith was like as a person as well as what the family went through. it goes into great detail of information that was gathered about that awful night as well as information of what happened in the court. what struck me is how i cant think of any other way to put it but how reasonable they were with regards to the 3 people that were found guilty of her murder. i dont know whether i would be if i ever had the great misfortune to be in the same situation. i really hope that merediths family get some closure on what really happened that night.
November 25, 2016
This book has given a new perspective that we have not gotten to see much of. I really enjoyed getting to read about Meredith as a person. As well as getting to hear the families perspective. This book was very insightful .
July 1, 2018
This was a much fairer representation of the trial than you normally see in the media. Written with heart by the family of Meredith Kercher. I ordered it because I wanted to honour her story and not let it be eclipsed by her murderers. Such a sad and strange tale. Love and light to you Meredith.
February 21, 2022
Meredith's life was not only brutally taken away at such a young age, but also lost in the media frenzy surrounding Amanda Knox and the case against her, Raffaele Sollecito and Rude Guede.
While I'm really glad a biography of Meredith exists in order to highlight her life and her family, this is obviously an incomplete story, since it was written before Knox and Sollecito's overturned convictions and the revelations of the gross mishandling of the case. While the Kercher family had total faith in the original conviction and the physical evidence of the crime scene, the truth transpired later on that the crime scene was severely contaminated by people going in and out and messing up the DNA samples of the three suspects and the victim. As well as incompetent policemen wanting pin the blame on Knox because of her unusual behaviour (no one can predict how one would act if something like this would happen to their roommate)
While there does seem to be inconstancies in Amanda's story, the reason she changed her stories was due to her prolonged harassment and physical and psychological abuse by the local police. Mr Kercher confirms that Meredith complained often to her family about Amanda's hygiene and behaviour while she was living with her, but would never have confronted her directly, as she was not confrontational.
For young twenty-something girls who haven't known each other long suddenly living together, it really is not that unusual for them to have arguments or complaints about each other's living habits.
Also, Mr Kercher, rightfully angry that the media buzz was all about Knox's private life, doesn't note that Meredith was also a victim of the salacious media chaos pointed at Knox. Meredith was painted up as the nice, innocent, virgin-like madonna while Amanda is the opposite - the succubus, the whore, the devious, manipulative, vengeful murderous witch.
Sadly, due to all of the incompetence surrounding the case, the Kercher family may never know what happened to their beautiful daughter.
While I'm really glad a biography of Meredith exists in order to highlight her life and her family, this is obviously an incomplete story, since it was written before Knox and Sollecito's overturned convictions and the revelations of the gross mishandling of the case. While the Kercher family had total faith in the original conviction and the physical evidence of the crime scene, the truth transpired later on that the crime scene was severely contaminated by people going in and out and messing up the DNA samples of the three suspects and the victim. As well as incompetent policemen wanting pin the blame on Knox because of her unusual behaviour (no one can predict how one would act if something like this would happen to their roommate)
While there does seem to be inconstancies in Amanda's story, the reason she changed her stories was due to her prolonged harassment and physical and psychological abuse by the local police. Mr Kercher confirms that Meredith complained often to her family about Amanda's hygiene and behaviour while she was living with her, but would never have confronted her directly, as she was not confrontational.
For young twenty-something girls who haven't known each other long suddenly living together, it really is not that unusual for them to have arguments or complaints about each other's living habits.
Also, Mr Kercher, rightfully angry that the media buzz was all about Knox's private life, doesn't note that Meredith was also a victim of the salacious media chaos pointed at Knox. Meredith was painted up as the nice, innocent, virgin-like madonna while Amanda is the opposite - the succubus, the whore, the devious, manipulative, vengeful murderous witch.
Sadly, due to all of the incompetence surrounding the case, the Kercher family may never know what happened to their beautiful daughter.
June 6, 2024
I don't agree with his views on the case (I guess he no longer does sadly), however, it is a witnessing account of someone who broke down under the pressures of the British mafia who first got rid of his daughter and then of him, for who knows what sorts of strange reasons. The trauma bonding with the perpetrator of your daughter's murder is a realistic thing that can sometimes affect not as resilient victims. Psychological strength is gone with torture methods, which is why Beccaria removed the death penalty, however, it's important not to go back in time, and unfortunately in the post-Boris era, this has hit hard even solid jurisdictions, like the Italian one, which saw themselves crumble under international pressure. Organized crime is like a game of chess, you don't get much done if you are always on the defense, you need to attack. This case also demonstrates how the British mafia lacked any empathy, after destroying 5 lives (all foreigners) with false allegations, and taking the life of one, entirely, it demonstrated no mercy and went after the father. It is why the opinion of the world has changed towards Britain entirely, and those who haven't yet, are likely going to be next, and soon will have it changed too, as noone is spared.
April 30, 2024
The book Meredith was written by her dad, John Kercher. Meredith is the girl who was tragically killed in Italy in 2007. The book has its sad parts, but it is beautifully written and is a wonderful tribute to her life.
John explained why he wrote this book:
“Despite everything that has happened since that night in November 2007, it still seems as though nobody knows anything about the real Meredith, and my hope is that, through writing Meredith, I can share with the world something of the wonderful girl who was our daughter and sister.” (From Forward page 2.) I’m so glad he did write this book to remember her legacy before he himself sadly passed away.
Meredith was a thoughtful girl who seems to have inspired many, even after her death. The book intimates “I make certain that I enjoy and appreciate life and those around me…” and of Meredith, that she was “…possessing a grace and sense of responsibility unusual for her age, while retaining a youthful joy and spontaneity.”
The book was interesting and I couldn’t seem to put it down. I definitely recommend it.
John explained why he wrote this book:
“Despite everything that has happened since that night in November 2007, it still seems as though nobody knows anything about the real Meredith, and my hope is that, through writing Meredith, I can share with the world something of the wonderful girl who was our daughter and sister.” (From Forward page 2.) I’m so glad he did write this book to remember her legacy before he himself sadly passed away.
Meredith was a thoughtful girl who seems to have inspired many, even after her death. The book intimates “I make certain that I enjoy and appreciate life and those around me…” and of Meredith, that she was “…possessing a grace and sense of responsibility unusual for her age, while retaining a youthful joy and spontaneity.”
The book was interesting and I couldn’t seem to put it down. I definitely recommend it.
May 8, 2025
Re-read.
An emotional tribute to a beautiful young woman inside and out who was tragically murdered on a study year in Perugia, Italy. Most know of the case and how the spotlight seemed to glamourise one of the suspects, Amanda Knox. Meredith Kercher seemed to be forgotten in the years following her death and this book is a great tribute to her short life, written by her father. I can’t imagine the emotional turmoil of the family, as justice was never really done (one person who evidence shows to definitely been the murderer has been released after serving a pathetically short sentence as he was fast tracked for his trial) but no one knows if he worked alone or had accomplices.
I live near the area where Meredith grew up and not so far from the cemetery she is buried. Reading this book again, was emotional and I decided to visit the cemetery to lay some white roses on her grave and pay my respects to a wonderful young lady whose life was unnecessarily taken away.
Rest in peace, Meredith.
An emotional tribute to a beautiful young woman inside and out who was tragically murdered on a study year in Perugia, Italy. Most know of the case and how the spotlight seemed to glamourise one of the suspects, Amanda Knox. Meredith Kercher seemed to be forgotten in the years following her death and this book is a great tribute to her short life, written by her father. I can’t imagine the emotional turmoil of the family, as justice was never really done (one person who evidence shows to definitely been the murderer has been released after serving a pathetically short sentence as he was fast tracked for his trial) but no one knows if he worked alone or had accomplices.
I live near the area where Meredith grew up and not so far from the cemetery she is buried. Reading this book again, was emotional and I decided to visit the cemetery to lay some white roses on her grave and pay my respects to a wonderful young lady whose life was unnecessarily taken away.
Rest in peace, Meredith.
July 29, 2025
When I picked this up I didn’t realise who the story was about until they named Amanda Knox and then it clicked.
Here we have Meredith who was killed in Italy and this book follows her life up to moving to Italy for studies and the Trial there after.
It’s true what her dad John wrote later in the book that the name Amanda Knox came note of the forefront than Meredith who was the victim as I’ve just proven… I didn’t know who Meredith was until Amanda was mentioned.
For anyone who has to face the death of a child, let alone a murder and in a different country I can’t even imagine how hard it is, but to then have to relive her final moments through trial and then again during an appeal.. my heart breaks!
Here we have Meredith who was killed in Italy and this book follows her life up to moving to Italy for studies and the Trial there after.
It’s true what her dad John wrote later in the book that the name Amanda Knox came note of the forefront than Meredith who was the victim as I’ve just proven… I didn’t know who Meredith was until Amanda was mentioned.
For anyone who has to face the death of a child, let alone a murder and in a different country I can’t even imagine how hard it is, but to then have to relive her final moments through trial and then again during an appeal.. my heart breaks!
June 9, 2017
I cannot imagine how painful it must have been to write this book. John Kercher paints an intimate picture of his daughter. It was less about the case and more about preserving the memory of Meredith. One cannot help but feel sorry for the author. He lost his daughter and as such seeks justice for her murder. I was uncomfortable at times reading about his picture of the accussed, and his trust in the justice system. Italy's justice system failed this man big time... The live media circus of the trial didn't do him any justice, or the prosecutor he held in high esteem.
May 16, 2023
Tbis book is heart breaking, raw, and a must-read.
I remember this trial very well. Sadly, like most people, I had only heard of Amanda Knox and didn't know much about Meredith Kercher, the victim. The press really did Meredith and her family a huge disservice.
From this and other books I've read, I think a miscarriage of justice happened here. I think Knox and her boyfriend were guilty and set free due to political pressure. It's quite disgusting.
I remember this trial very well. Sadly, like most people, I had only heard of Amanda Knox and didn't know much about Meredith Kercher, the victim. The press really did Meredith and her family a huge disservice.
From this and other books I've read, I think a miscarriage of justice happened here. I think Knox and her boyfriend were guilty and set free due to political pressure. It's quite disgusting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 2, 2022
Such a sad read I feel sorri for Meredith’s family. I am sorri but I really didn’t understand the legal aspect in this book xx
February 10, 2025
Written from a complete other perspective this is a an understandable tribute from a father to his murdered daughters.
February 22, 2014
This is finally the voice of the young british student Meredith who was murdered in Perugia! Media Lights were spotted on the accused "Amanda" due to her physical appearance!!
This book was written by Meredith's father. He starts his book by retrieving their beautiful memories together, and then, he spoke about Meredith's decision to go to Italy and continue her university studies. After 9 weeks, he lost her in a tragic murder. the 3 accused were her roommate Amanda, and 2 other boys.
the court still didn't give its final verdict at the date of the book's publication.
The book looks for me interesting. I extended my search about the case via internet, and saw the other party's point of view. This book teaches me that we should never judge people on what the media says but to keep the case for the specialists to give their point of views based on facts and proofs.
This book was written by Meredith's father. He starts his book by retrieving their beautiful memories together, and then, he spoke about Meredith's decision to go to Italy and continue her university studies. After 9 weeks, he lost her in a tragic murder. the 3 accused were her roommate Amanda, and 2 other boys.
the court still didn't give its final verdict at the date of the book's publication.
The book looks for me interesting. I extended my search about the case via internet, and saw the other party's point of view. This book teaches me that we should never judge people on what the media says but to keep the case for the specialists to give their point of views based on facts and proofs.
January 3, 2024
Writing this book must have been a poignant experience for a father who's lost her loving daughter in such brutal circumstances.
Yet it It is clear his need to speak out the truth about Meredith which has been sidelined by Amanda Knox deceitful Lies and Media spinning.
Yet it It is clear his need to speak out the truth about Meredith which has been sidelined by Amanda Knox deceitful Lies and Media spinning.
December 10, 2015
heart-breaking tale of murder and injustice. seriously wondering what happened to Meredith. who actually murdered her?
February 21, 2016
best i was an knox supporter until this great book
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews