The story of a young man who is judged and sentenced partly based
on "assumptions and judgement" is a touching and scary story.
Lesley Choyce chooses to write about a subject that is not often
mentioned but makes for compelling reading. Indeed, Michael is
young and looking for trouble - he meets Lisa and they begin a
relationship - yet, how could such a relationship, with two such
people survive? - it doesn't and Lisa ends up dead. Michael is the
naturally accused, especially since he and Lisa had sex (of god!)
prior to the murder. Michael gets sentenced and six months later,
the real killer confesses.
This novel has so many different aspects going for it at the same
time that I wasn't sure where to start. First of, I love the way
Choyce does not make Michael out to be some kind of "poor little
me'. We are actually privy to Michael's thoughts for most of the
book, including at the beginning where he knows exactly (in my
opinion) what he is getting into with Lisa. Michael WAS looking for
trouble and found it.
Another aspect of this novel that I loved is the fact that Michael
is primarly condemned because he was having sex with the victim!!!!
There is an interesting sub-text about society and preconceived
judgements here!
Finally, I really enjoyed the second part of the book where Michael
is now released from prison and finds that although he is out of
jail, he is still somehow locked up by again, the stigma of
preconceived ideas from society in general.
This is an extremely thought provoking book and I loved it. No
fluff here.