The Executioner's Song is a lengthy but powerful exploration of the death penalty and the life of Gary Gilmore. While some found it too long and difficult to finish, others praised its depth and emotional impact, making it a thought-provoking read.
The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer is a monumental work that delves into the complexities of the death penalty through the story of Gary Gilmore. The book's length and detailed narrative can be overwhelming, leading some readers to struggle or abandon it. However, those who persevered found it to be a deeply moving and reflective experience. The portrayal of Gilmore as a multidimensional character, along with the book's exploration of societal issues, makes it a significant and impactful read. It challenges readers to reconsider their views on capital punishment and the justice system, offering a rich and thought-provoking journey.
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A beast of a book. Impressive for all the detail explored. I didn’t always care and would have loved a shorter version of the story but it had some extremely powerful reflections on humanity and the death penalty.
i never like to DNF books in general, but i can’t bring myself to come back to this. a lot of the content was really rough to read and it kind of pummeled you with it over and over.
Easily the fastest reading 1100 page book I've yet to read. An incredible story of crime and punishment that portrays it's antagonist, Gary Gilmore, first man to be executed in the U.S. after a 10 year moratorium on capital punishment was lifted in 1976, as a truly multidimensional person.