A World Without Tears

Book excerpt: On March 4, 1983, Charles Rothenberg deliberately set fire to the bed where his six-year-old son, David, lay sleeping. Although David did not die, burns covered 90 percent of his body and left him severely disfigured. Rothenberg admitted his guilt and spent seven years in prison. This book is the troubled life story and in-depth study of Charles Rothenberg through over 140 letters, personal interviews, and his own writings. It is told by Harry J. Gaynor, a recognized authority on child abuse by burning and President of the National Burn Victim Foundation; the Rev. Dr. Jack Wilson, a minister and counselor; and Dr. Andrew Savicky, a psychologist. The authors reach beyond the bizarre facts of this story and enter the mind and emotions of Rothenberg to gain some understanding of what led to this crime. They attempt to employ that understanding to protect children from abuse.