Notes on an Execution: A Novel

So many great things about this book: exceptional pacing, interesting characters, plot complexity, unreliable second person narrator. The tidbits about philosophy and the mind of a killer (as well as the childhood tidbits that contributed to his future) were fascinating to read about. It also felt respectful to its fictional victims in a way that some true crime ought to be. I would definitely pick up more from this author in the future.

I’m a big fan of books that, through character development and storyline, can elicit an emotional response—joy, sadness, happiness, excitement, etc. After reading this book, all I feel is that I have wasted my time. The book felt scattered and unfocused as it jumped around from each person’s perspective of Ansel and his actions. This wouldn’t be too bad if each person focused on developing a specific aspect of Ansel’s character OR on the ripple effects of his actions on others, but it doesn’t. Even when the author does touch on ripple effects, it’s mostly focused on Ansel not on the people he’s harmed. Each character seems to focus on how “surprised” they were that Ansel, a handsome and charming young man, could turn out to be a serial killer… but writing a book focused on the “surprise” that family and friends feel when someone close to them turns out to be a killer isn’t new or captivating. It’s something that we see play out over and over again through the news and documentaries, and I dont think we needed another 300+ page book about it as well.

There was something so haunting about the prose and story for this one. It kept me locked in and on the edge of my seat whether that part was from nerves, creepiness, or suspense I have no clue!

This book held my interest from start to finish. The different points of view had me thinking deeply and thoughtfully. I love that the author's intention was to focus on the victims and the people in their lives. How she puts a spotlight on the attention given to serial killers when it should be about the victims instead.

While you are made to feel bad about Ansel and his humble beginnings, you can’t help but want to root for him to become something more. I enjoyed seeing his story unfold through the eyes of the woman that knew him best and also barely at all. I very much liked this book and the themes throughout. It really made you think about life, death, and the choices you make that can affect your life from beginning to end. What it truly means to be a good person and whether we all have that spark of darkness somewhere within.