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balladofreadingqueer's review
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book.
I had read about the man who this book is based on a few weeks before I found out this book existed. I know that he had been wrongly executed and only recently posthumously exonerated. This book looks at the life of a Somali immigrant to Wales as he is wrongly accused of the murder of a local Jewish woman shopkeeper.
It explores his nomadic, seafaring life, tumultuous relationship with his white Welsh wife and her family and his friendships and rivals with other Somali immigrants and African immigrants in England/ Wales. It clearly highlights the flaws in the Welsh justice system as he is convicted for a crime he clearly did not commit. The author clearly demonstrates how racism and xenophobia from judges, lawyers and the jury led to his wrongful conviction despite no evidence.
The trial and Mamood’s time in prison are the centre of this book. As he explores his inner life and memories and prepares for execution. His life before arrest is peppered throughout his memories and what happens his family after his wrongful murder by the state are only briefly addressed <\>
It explores his nomadic, seafaring life, tumultuous relationship with his white Welsh wife and her family and his friendships and rivals with other Somali immigrants and African immigrants in England/ Wales. It clearly highlights the flaws in the Welsh justice system as he is convicted for a crime he clearly did not commit. The author clearly demonstrates how racism and xenophobia from judges, lawyers and the jury led to his wrongful conviction despite no evidence.
The trial and Mamood’s time in prison are the centre of this book. As he explores his inner life and memories and prepares for execution. His life before arrest is peppered throughout his memories and what happens his family after his wrongful murder by the state are only briefly addressed <\>
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation, Antisemitism, Racism, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Murder
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