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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
I'm still processing this book. It was dark. It was filled with evil. And there aren't happy endings for the prisoners on death row. But this book takes a look at how these men were damaged long before they were put in the enchanted place they are rotting in, waiting for their death.
And for some, death is a final blessing to silence the monsters that rage inside of them. But it is a long wait for death. And this prison is enchanted, enchanted with the souls still searching...
And for some, death is a final blessing to silence the monsters that rage inside of them. But it is a long wait for death. And this prison is enchanted, enchanted with the souls still searching...
Beautiful, moving prose. Very, very dark story. It's magical realism with very minimal magic (more like a coping mechanism) and a driving, shocking force of realism.
I enjoyed the read and the way the perspective remained from one character throughout, made following some other characters interesting to see through his eyes. Appreciated the thoughts it sparks regarding childhood circumstances and how they can shape us and how community can fail us, how abuse and solitude can lead to monsters. I would have appreciated if some more focus was given on solutions to systemic problems like this, if it had left things with a more hopeful tone, but im not sure that was the purpose although it does give a glimmer at the end.
4.25-4.5 stars
Extremely well written. This is the third book of this author’s that I’ve read. She is a very talented story teller. Whatever side of the death penalty debate you are on, this will be a worthwhile read. She presents both sides of the issue while avoiding sounding preachy. Through her experiences/career, she brings a unique perspective to issues revolving around our justice system. Parts of those books were very hard to read (trigger warnings: drug abuse, rape, child abuse/rape, violence, execution). Sheds light on our very flawed justice system and abysmal mental health care system. Highly recommend.
FYI - this book is characterized by some as magic realism, but it is not. If you are familiar with this author, you will likely already have realized this, but I know that other readers have been disappointed.
Extremely well written. This is the third book of this author’s that I’ve read. She is a very talented story teller. Whatever side of the death penalty debate you are on, this will be a worthwhile read. She presents both sides of the issue while avoiding sounding preachy. Through her experiences/career, she brings a unique perspective to issues revolving around our justice system. Parts of those books were very hard to read (trigger warnings: drug abuse, rape, child abuse/rape, violence, execution). Sheds light on our very flawed justice system and abysmal mental health care system. Highly recommend.
FYI - this book is characterized by some as magic realism, but it is not. If you are familiar with this author, you will likely already have realized this, but I know that other readers have been disappointed.
THIS BOOK IS A MASTERPIECE.
Honestly, i hardly know how to describe it. The fragility and corruption of humans, imagining humans complexly, the strength (or lack thereof) of a person's will to live, how AWFUL people can be to one another, the possibility of redemption, how we live through moments and people and words and love.
This book was fabulous.
I took off a star only because it was a difficult read. I had to sit in silence to read it, and still I was slow. (Also there was one phrase about rape that has been haunting me since i read it and its honestly terrifying) It was not an exceedingly enjoyable book, but it was so important. I will be thinking about this for a long time.
Honestly, i hardly know how to describe it. The fragility and corruption of humans, imagining humans complexly, the strength (or lack thereof) of a person's will to live, how AWFUL people can be to one another, the possibility of redemption, how we live through moments and people and words and love.
This book was fabulous.
I took off a star only because it was a difficult read. I had to sit in silence to read it, and still I was slow. (Also there was one phrase about rape that has been haunting me since i read it and its honestly terrifying) It was not an exceedingly enjoyable book, but it was so important. I will be thinking about this for a long time.
dark
reflective
slow-paced
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Excrement, Trafficking, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail
Interesting, but dull. Beautiful, but ugly. Not the best, not the worst. Glad to be finished, tho.
Ik was behoorlijk onder de indruk van dit boek. Sowieso gaat het algemeen gezien niet over een eenvoudig onderwerp (deathrow), maar daar komen nog eens tal van andere zware onderwerpen bij: kindermishandeling, verkrachting, corruptie, psychische stoornissen,... Ongeveer alles wat aan de basis van criminaliteit ligt. En toch zit er dankzij de alwetende verteller (een van de deathrow inmates) een soort van magie in de manier waarop het verhaal verteld wordt. De manier waarop het boek is geschreven heeft zelfs iets poetisch. Alleen jammer dat je de personages niet echt helemaal leert kennen. Je krijgt hier en daar een stukje van hun leven, maar je krijgt niet alle informatie waardoor je je niet helemaal een beeld kan vormen van wie ze zijn en wat hen drijft.
Als ik het nawoord goed heb gelezen, heeft Rene Denfeld heel wat ervaring met deathrow inmates. Ze is een death penalty investigator, net zoals het personage The Lady. Dit geeft het boek alleen maar meer draagkracht en maakt het nog indrukwekkender.
Als ik het nawoord goed heb gelezen, heeft Rene Denfeld heel wat ervaring met deathrow inmates. Ze is een death penalty investigator, net zoals het personage The Lady. Dit geeft het boek alleen maar meer draagkracht en maakt het nog indrukwekkender.