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mschlat's review
5.0
Just staggering --- I was close to tears twice while reading this.
The book covers the story of Bill Macumber, who --- twelve years after a double murder --- is arrested, tried, and convicted of those murders under extremely questionable circumstances (including the possibility that his wife planted evidence against him). He always proclaims his innocence, and his case is taken up after several decades by the Arizona Justice Project.
Siegel writes the story as a moving and suspenseful page-turner and paints Macumber as a man who behaves with compassion and dignity even in circumstances that do not warrant it. I was especially moved by the evolving relationships between Macumber and his sons --- Macumber is portrayed as a gung-ho dad who loves his sons, only to lose contact with them after his incarceration.
There's a lot to take in --- the cast of characters is huge and the legal details a bit overwhelming. It's also a tough read to see how the initial arrest and trial are (mis)handled. However, it's also an extremely rewarding book.
The book covers the story of Bill Macumber, who --- twelve years after a double murder --- is arrested, tried, and convicted of those murders under extremely questionable circumstances (including the possibility that his wife planted evidence against him). He always proclaims his innocence, and his case is taken up after several decades by the Arizona Justice Project.
Siegel writes the story as a moving and suspenseful page-turner and paints Macumber as a man who behaves with compassion and dignity even in circumstances that do not warrant it. I was especially moved by the evolving relationships between Macumber and his sons --- Macumber is portrayed as a gung-ho dad who loves his sons, only to lose contact with them after his incarceration.
There's a lot to take in --- the cast of characters is huge and the legal details a bit overwhelming. It's also a tough read to see how the initial arrest and trial are (mis)handled. However, it's also an extremely rewarding book.
rglossner's review
4.0
Extraordinary story of a man unjustly convicted. It reads like a novel, and will have you thinking about how the criminal justice system actually works.
manogirl's review
4.0
Well, I couldn't put this down. I don't know why books that talk about specific cases involving the miscarriage of the American justice system interest me so greatly, but I'm horrified by the idea that someone could spend 40 fucking years in jail for a crime they didn't commit. I hope you're horrified too.
You shouldn't read this book though, if you're not into reading about lengthy legal battles and the plucky courage of a guy who did his damn best to maintain while trapped in prison. For my money, the best part of the book was when Mr. Macumber reunited with his youngest son. I shed actual tears.
You shouldn't read this book though, if you're not into reading about lengthy legal battles and the plucky courage of a guy who did his damn best to maintain while trapped in prison. For my money, the best part of the book was when Mr. Macumber reunited with his youngest son. I shed actual tears.
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