The Executioner's Song
The Executioner's Song
Book Brief
1056
Novel • Fiction
Utah • 1970s
1979
Adult
18+ years
960L
Super Short Summary
The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer narrates the real-life story of Gary Gilmore, who, following his release from prison in 1976, murdered a gas station attendant and a motel manager, leading to his conviction and becoming the first person executed in the United States after the Supreme Court reinstated the death penalty. The book is based on extensive interviews and won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1980.
Dark
Gritty
Mysterious
Unnerving
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
23,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Norman Mailer's The Executioner's Song is often praised for its intricate and meticulous portrayal of true crime, offering a haunting and thought-provoking narrative. Critics laud its journalistic rigor and the depth of its character studies. However, some find its length daunting and argue that the extensive detail can slow the pacing. Overall, it's considered a compelling yet demanding read.
Who Should Read The Executioner's Song?
A reader who enjoys The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer likely has a keen interest in true crime, legal drama, and the complexities of the human psyche. Fans of Truman Capote's In Cold Blood and Ann Rule's The Stranger Beside Me would appreciate Mailer's detailed narrative and exploration of real-life events.
23,991 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Executioner's Song won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction in 1980, making it one of Norman Mailer's most acclaimed works.
The book is a true crime narrative and displays Mailer's characteristic style of New Journalism, blending detailed reportage with literary techniques.
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It was unique for its time, as Mailer had unprecedented access to much of the source material, including interviews and legal documents related to the real-life events depicted in the book.
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1056
Novel • Fiction
Utah • 1970s
1979
Adult
18+ years
960L
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