The Exonerated
The Exonerated
Book Brief
439
Play • Fiction
Various U.S. states • Contemporary
2002
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Exonerated by Erik Jensen and Jessica Blank is a dramatic play about six Americans who were wrongly convicted, sentenced to death, and later exonerated, highlighting serious flaws in the American justice system. The play, based on real interviews, humanizes their plights, showcasing their resilience amid prejudice and wrongful imprisonment. Sensitive topics include wrongful conviction, racial discrimination, rape, and suicide attempts.
Informative
Emotional
Dark
Challenging
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
383 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Exonerated by Erik Jensen and Jessica Blank is praised for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth, drawing from real-life stories of wrongful convictions. Critics commend its impactful narrative and use of verbatim theater. However, some note that its heavy reliance on interviews can limit dramatic tension. Overall, it is seen as a compelling and thought-provoking work.
Who Should Read The Exonerated?
Readers who enjoy The Exonerated by Erik Jensen and Jessica Blank typically appreciate compelling true crime narratives, legal dramas, and social justice themes. Similar to readers of Bryan Stevenson's Just Mercy and John Grisham's The Innocent Man, they are drawn to stories about wrongful convictions and the human impact of flawed justice systems.
383 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
The Exonerated originally debuted as a play at The Actors' Gang theater in Los Angeles in 2002, quickly gaining critical acclaim for its poignant storytelling and real-life inspiration.
The play has drawn numerous celebrity performances over the years, featuring actors like Susan Sarandon, Richard Dreyfuss, and Aidan Quinn in various productions.
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The Exonerated was adapted into a television film in 2005, further broadening its impact and reach by bringing the powerful stories to an even wider audience.
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439
Play • Fiction
Various U.S. states • Contemporary
2002
Adult
18+ years
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