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A review by soobooksalot
Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- 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
Notes On An Execution has been in my brain's TBR for some time.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Sexual content, Violence, Grief, Murder, Pregnancy, and Alcohol