A masterful, revelatory work of literary non-fiction about a teenage girl's shocking crime — and its extraordinary aftermath.
On a spring afternoon in 1985 in Gary, Indiana, a fifteen-year-old black girl kills a white elderly bible teacher in a violent home invasion. In a city with a history of racial tension the press swoops in.
When Paula is sentenced to death, no one decries the impending execution of a tenth grader. But the tide begins to shift when the victim's grandson Bill forgives the girl, against the wishes of his family, and campaigns to spare her life. This tragedy in a midwestern steel town soon reverberates across the United States and around the world — reaching as far away as the Vatican — as newspapers cover the story on their front pages and millions sign petitions in support of Paula.
As Paula waits on death row, her fate sparks a debate that not only animates legal circles but raises vital questions about the value of human life. This story asks us to consider the nature of justice, and what radical acts of empathy we might be capable of.
I find that when a child has committed a horrendous crime, it is very difficult to comprehend. Sadly, in this day and age it is a more commonplace occurrence. However back in 1985 when the crime of this book was committed it was out of the ordinary. So we’re the policies in place (or lack of).
This book was very thought provoking as whilst you cannot deny the severity of the crime it is also shocking the severity of the punishment.
I found the story very intriguing, as I had not heard of this crime previously. I think one of the more shocking things was Paula’s support from Ruth’s grandson that built over time.
The book has been very well researched and put together so that it gives plenty of background and facts of the story.
Thank you to Random Things Tours, Alex Mar & Bedford Square Publishers for allowing me to take part in this blog tour in exchange for a free honest review.
Thanks for the blog tour support x