Katie Reviews~ Notes on an Execution by Danya Kukafka Blog
The ending to this novel was beautiful as it brought the entire narrative full circle back to the young victims. Many books and tv programs about murder and serial killers glorify the killings and people often remember the name of the killer than the name of the victims whether this is in fiction or non-fiction. The wonderful thing about this novel is it always goes back to the victims and their innocent lives.
This book is all about the count down to the execution of Ansel Packer, every chapter written from Packer's perspective is written in the second person. This really puts the reader in the footsteps and mindset of the killer. It made me feel responsible for all the crimes he committed. Interspersed between the chapters from Packer's perspective are chapters from the women that Packer's life has impacted. This includes the female detective who investigates Packer, a mother, and a sister. The more you read the more the lives of these women unfold and you see how intertwined the women are with that of Packer’s life, their perspective range through Packer’s entire life so you get to see how he becomes this man on death row.
Some of the chapters I did find quite uncomfortable to read as they express the damage Packer caused to others such as his violence to small animals or the abuse he subjected others to, surprisingly I found the chapters where he was interacting with innocent people who didn't know what he was capable of uncomfortable too as I wanted to shout to them that he was dangerous.
I found this novel fascinating as it showed all the sides of a manipulating killer but also celebrated the lives of the victims. I'd definitely recommend this book if you want a crime novel that is laid out differently to conventional crime novels but be warned there is some major triggers.