A review by gaiadances
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka

dark emotional reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Wonderful story exploring the women behind a undeservingly glorified violent man. The three women chosen - murderer's mother, victim's sister and police detective - each provided new and wonderful insight into the murderer while also reflecting on the victims, their own choices, systemic injustices and circumstantial conditions. The book is beautifully written and so much of the author's voice and messages about life, choices. love and violence are so memorable to read. I found the ending heartbreakingly tragic for all the women involved as well as the man himself. I was so torn about his death as someone who is rigorously against misogynistic violence against women yet also strictly anti-death penalty. The multiple POVs, jumping around in time and exploration of multiple female perspectives in a thoughtful and nuanced manner make this book a must-read for me. 
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