In "The Devil in the White City," Erik Larson explores the peculiar charm of a man who defied societal norms regarding personal space and physical interaction. He had an unsettling way of standing too close, maintaining an intense gaze, and prolonging physical contact. These actions were typically viewed as intrusive, yet they captivated many women around him.

This paradox highlights how some individuals can wield their unconventional behavior as a form of attraction. While his approach broke the established rules of casual intimacy, it ultimately became a source of appeal, revealing the complexities of human interactions and desires during that era.