A review by meemawreads
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

challenging dark emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I appreciate, like most readers, that we got to know a serial killer outside a romanticized lens, instead seeing him through the eyes of the women he knew. It doesn't keep it from being a huge bummer sandwich, but at least we don't have to listen to another author proclaiming the "evil genius" of another murderer. It reminds the reader that everyone involved is a multifaceted human, critiques the criminal justice system, and shows us the effects of generational trauma, all without being too heavy-handed.
Probably my favorite part is Ansel's escape plot failing, showing that this guy is less "pure evil" than completely swept up in the delusion of deep misogyny.
Ansel isn't an idiot, he truly thinks he's worth more than these women and that belief didn't come out of nowhere. Four taters 🥔🥔🥔🥔/🥔🥔🥔🥔🥔
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