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A review by lydiavsbooks
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- 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
This is the story of Ansel, a man on death Row following the serial murders of 3 women. But really its a story of the people left behind, switching perspectives between various women throughout his life, as well as a second person pov of Angel as he awaits his execution.
A brilliant reflective look on the horrific acts humans are capable of. I think this perfectly balanced compassion for all of the characters involved, with out at any point minimising Ansel's crimes, or preaching any particular views.
This book did so much but in such a gentle way that doesn't feel dense or preachy. It reads very easily but with beautiful writing that perfectly combines the literary and thriller elements.
I really appreciated how it didn't focus heavily on Ansel, his crimes or even his victims, but instead gave a voice to the huge web of people, mostly women, indirectly effected by his violence. I found it just really highlighted the wide spread effect of these types of crimes. I also really enjoyed the different voices and perspectives that were heard: those pro-death penalty, Ansel desperately clinging to the hope that he is capable of good, those positively effected by his presence in their lives, and those highlighting the romantizing and obsession with serial killers. Each perspective allowed you to feel complete compassion for, in a way that didn't require you to agree, but just to empathise, and I think that was really skillfully done.
A brilliant reflective look on the horrific acts humans are capable of. I think this perfectly balanced compassion for all of the characters involved, with out at any point minimising Ansel's crimes, or preaching any particular views.
This book did so much but in such a gentle way that doesn't feel dense or preachy. It reads very easily but with beautiful writing that perfectly combines the literary and thriller elements.
I really appreciated how it didn't focus heavily on Ansel, his crimes or even his victims, but instead gave a voice to the huge web of people, mostly women, indirectly effected by his violence. I found it just really highlighted the wide spread effect of these types of crimes. I also really enjoyed the different voices and perspectives that were heard: those pro-death penalty, Ansel desperately clinging to the hope that he is capable of good, those positively effected by his presence in their lives, and those highlighting the romantizing and obsession with serial killers. Each perspective allowed you to feel complete compassion for, in a way that didn't require you to agree, but just to empathise, and I think that was really skillfully done.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Grief, and Blood