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risemini's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Graphic: Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Animal cruelty, Alcoholism, Alcohol, Abandonment, Death, Death of parent, Grief, Racism, Animal death, Sexism, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Blood, Violence, Murder, Sexual content, and War
soobooksalot's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I knew it would be dark, and I wasn't wrong. It's also amazing and unforgettable.
It's the story of Ansel Packer, a damaged man turned murderer.
His chapters take us through his final hours before execution. The chapters in between introduce readers to women from his life - his mother Lavender, fellow foster child and eventual police detective Saffy, and Hazel - the twin sister of Ansel's wife.
It's a fascinating portrait of a boy, then man, who became a killer. But Ansel and all of the characters are made to be somehow relatable through incredible writing from author Danya Kukafka.
Notes On An Execution may be polarizing and disturbing. But it is most definitely recommended.
Moderate: Sexual content, Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Grief, Violence, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Murder, Pregnancy, Alcohol, and Animal cruelty
dananana's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Death, Abandonment, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Murder, Grief, and Violence
Moderate: Police brutality
carlaabra's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Ansel was a much more sympathetic figure than I had imagined. I was startled by this, which I think is the intent. I never did understand why Jenny stayed with him, though, since it seemed from the beginning that she knew what he was. This is juxtaposed by Lavender, now broken as an adult, whose actions I didn’t agree with but I did understand.
This is not a feel-good read. It is dark and depressing. There is no light at the end of the tunnel. But I think it’s a raw and genuine story, which is what I fundamentally ask for in a book. You will experience anger, revulsion, shock, and sorrow while reading. That’s a testament to the talented writing.
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Alcoholism, and Grief
Minor: Animal cruelty
After the very first passages with Lavender (which are an excruciating read), there is no more sexual assault. Thankfully. Ansel does kill animals as a child/teenager but it is not graphic.katrinarose's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Pregnancy, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Toxic relationship, and Sexism
austrosel's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Murder, Violence, Blood, Animal death, Death of parent, Animal cruelty, Death, and Grief
dazzle_spider_reader_1212's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Death, Suicide, Animal cruelty, Murder, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Physical abuse, Death of parent, Misogyny, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse
Moderate: Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, Addiction, Suicide attempt, Alcoholism, Classism, Alcohol, Drug abuse, Drug use, Racism, Self harm, and Toxic relationship
augustinedreams's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Gore, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Death, Grief, Mental illness, Abandonment, Addiction, Domestic abuse, Sexual assault, Animal death, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Blood, Murder, Violence, and Child abuse
Moderate: Car accident, Stalking, Sexual content, and Bullying
jaromatorio's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Addiction, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Grief, Murder, Child abuse, and Death
blacksphinx's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Abandonment, Domestic abuse, Pregnancy, Animal death, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Misogyny, and Sexism
Moderate: Stalking, Grief, Murder, and Alcoholism
Minor: Racism