Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde

Jeff Guinn

Quick Take

Forget everything you think you know about Clyde Barrow and Bonnie Parker. Previous books and films, including the brilliant 1967 movie starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, have emphasized the supposed glamour of America's most notorious criminal couple, thus contributing to ongoing mythology. The real story is completely different -- and far more fascinating.In Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde, bestselling author Jeff Guinn combines exhaustive research with surprising, newly discovered material to tell the real tale of two kids from a filthy Dallas slum who fell in love and then willingly traded their lives for a brief interlude of excitement and, more important, fame. Their timing could not have been better -- the Barrow Gang pulled its first heist in 1932 when most Americans, reeling from the Great Depression, were desperate for escapist entertainment. Thanks to newsreels, true crime magazines, and new-fangled wire services that transmitted scandalous photos of Bonnie smoking a cigar to every newspaper in the nation, the Barrow Gang members almost instantly became household names on a par with Charles Lindbergh, Jack Dempsey, and Babe Ruth. In the minds of the public, they were cool, calculating bandits who robbed banks and killed cops with equal impunity.Nothing could have been further from the truth. Clyde and Bonnie were perhaps the most inept crooks ever, and their two-year crime spree was as much a reign of error as it was of terror. Lacking the sophistication to plot robberies of big-city banks, the Barrow Gang preyed mostly on small mom-and-pop groceries and service stations. Even at that, they often came up empty-handed and were reduced to breaking into gum machines for meal money. Both were crippled, Clyde from cutting off two of his toes while in prison and Bonnie from a terrible car crash caused by Clyde's reckless driving. Constantly on the run from the law, they lived like animals, camping out in their latest stolen car, bathing in creeks, and dining on cans of cold beans and Vienna sausages. Yet theirs was a genuine love story. Their devotion to each other was as real as their overblown reputation as criminal masterminds was not.Go Down Together has it all -- true romance, rebellion against authority, bullets flying, cars crashing, and, in the end, a dramatic death at the hands of a celebrity lawman hired to hunt them down. Thanks in great part to surviving Barrow and Parker family members and collectors of criminal memorabilia who provided Jeff Guinn with access to never-before-published material, we finally have the real story of Bonnie and Clyde and their troubled times, delivered with cinematic sweep and unprecedented insight by a masterful storyteller.

Reader's Review

Book Review Summary: Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde

Introduction

"Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde" by Jeff Guinn is a captivating book that sheds light on the real story behind the infamous criminal couple. Previous books and films have portrayed Bonnie and Clyde as glamorous outlaws, but Guinn's research reveals a different, more complex truth. This book offers a comprehensive and unprecedented insight into the lives of these two individuals, their love story, and their tragic end.

About Jeff Guinn

Jeff Guinn is a renowned author known for his meticulous research and compelling storytelling. With a background in journalism, Guinn has won numerous awards for his investigative reporting, feature writing, and literary criticism. His previous works include "The Last Gunfight: The Real Story of the Shootout at the O.K. Corral - and How It Changed the West," "Manson: The Life and Times of Charles Manson," and "The Road to Jonestown: Jim Jones and Peoples Temple." Guinn's expertise in criminal history and his ability to uncover hidden truths make him the perfect author to delve into the story of Bonnie and Clyde.

Analysis of Views

Inaccurate Portrayal: Many readers were surprised to discover that the popular perception of Bonnie and Clyde as glamorous criminals was largely inaccurate. Guinn's book reveals that they were not as skilled or intelligent as portrayed, but rather inept criminals who often struggled with their robberies.
Real Love Story: Despite their criminal activities, Bonnie and Clyde's love story was a significant aspect of their lives. Readers appreciated the portrayal of their genuine devotion to each other, which transcended their notoriety.
Detailed Research: Guinn's extensive research, including access to never-before-published material, allowed him to provide a comprehensive and accurate account of Bonnie and Clyde's lives. Readers appreciated the depth of information presented in the book.
Engaging Narrative: Guinn's storytelling skills made the book engaging and captivating. His ability to weave together historical facts with personal anecdotes created a compelling reading experience.
Hollywood's Impact: The impact of Hollywood on the public perception of Bonnie and Clyde was a recurring theme in reader reviews. Many readers expressed gratitude for Guinn's efforts to separate fact from fiction, providing a more accurate portrayal of the couple's lives.

Reasons for Recommendation

Accurate Portrayal: "Go Down Together" offers a refreshing alternative to the Hollywood-driven mythology surrounding Bonnie and Clyde. Readers appreciate the accurate portrayal of their lives, which provides a more nuanced understanding of their actions.
Real Love Story: The love story between Bonnie and Clyde is a compelling aspect of the book that resonates with readers. The portrayal of their devotion to each other adds depth to their story and makes it more relatable.
Detailed Research: Guinn's extensive research and access to previously unpublished material make this book a valuable resource for those interested in criminal history or the lives of Bonnie and Clyde. The detailed information presented in the book adds credibility to the narrative.
Engaging Narrative: Jeff Guinn's storytelling skills make "Go Down Together" an enjoyable read. His ability to blend historical facts with personal anecdotes creates an engaging narrative that keeps readers engaged from start to finish.

Conclusion

"Go Down Together: The True, Untold Story of Bonnie and Clyde" by Jeff Guinn is a well-researched and engaging book that sheds light on the real story behind the infamous criminal couple. By presenting an accurate portrayal of Bonnie and Clyde's lives, Guinn challenges the Hollywood-driven mythology that has long surrounded them. Through detailed research, a compelling narrative, and a real love story, this book offers readers a deeper understanding of Bonnie and Clyde's lives and their tragic end. Whether you are interested in criminal history or simply looking for an engaging read, "Go Down Together" is highly recommended for its ability to transport readers into the world of these notorious outlaws.