The Executioner's Song - Norman Mailer & Dave Eggers

The Executioner's Song

ByNorman Mailer & Dave Eggers

  • Release Date: 2012-05-08
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4
4
From 141 Ratings

Description

In this Pulitzer Prize-winning classic, a convicted killer becomes the first prisoner to be executed in the United States.

The Executioner's Song follows the true story of cold-blooded murderer Gary Gilmore, who, after being tried and convicted, insisted on being executed for his crimes. To do so, he fought a system intent on keeping him alive long after it sentenced him to death. 

Norman Mailer tells Gilmore's story with impressive authority and compassion. The Executioner's Song is a trip down the wrong side of the tracks, right into the heart of American loneliness and violence–it is impossible to put down and difficult to forget.

Reviews

  • An exercise in depiction

    4
    By Leo D
    Gary Gilmore was a real man who killed two real men and paid the ultimate price for his actions. What Mailer labors over here is an exercise in painting a portrait of a murderer with no moral compass. We learn about Gilmore, but not about why he murdered. Readers should be prepared to come to many of their own conclusions about the subject. Mailer has presented the man, now we must decide his intentions.This prize winner is worth every minute of your time.

  • The Executioner's Love Song

    5
    By WaveSkiBoy
    Mailer's love of words, of thoughts, of ideas, and of characters shines through on every page. Gargantuan in its length, it is as compelling as a finely crafted short story. Brilliant at times, never less than superb, this song is a melody that will long linger..... Arguably his finest work, it, like Capote's IN COLD BLOOD, changed American literature forever.

  • Well....

    3
    By Chibby.
    I know it won a Pulitzer, that's why I decided to read it. Way too long and technical for me. I finished it just to say I did, but would not read it if I had known before hand. The guy was a sociopath. Very sad that the victims and their families are all but forgotten and minimized.

  • A Bargain at This Price by Jennapher Hague

    5
    By FeHRSE
    Mailer's grasp so often eluded his reach, yet he never stopped reaching further and higher. Sometimes he succeeded, more often he failed. He always carried the the burden of having written his most compelling novel on his first attempt, The Naked and the Dead, a book that remains a classic, if not the classic American war novel.
    But in the Executioner's Song affirms Mailer's undeniable greatness. You will may start reading this book with a preconceived notion of who Gary Gilmore was, and what happened to cause the state of Utah to execute him, and his decision to demand this punishment be carried out.
    When you are through, you will be amazed, repulsed, confused and perhaps angry.
    But you will know that you have read one of the greatest true-crime stories ever written.
    It can never surpass Capote's masterpiece, as In Cold Blood remains one of the most brilliant and unique books in American letters.
    But The Executioner's Song can only rank just slightly behind Capote's classic.
    If you read only on Mailer book, make it this one, you will not be disappointed.
    If you continue to ask yourself the "why" about Gilmore's life and death, seek out Mikal Gilmore's memoir A Shot Through the Heart. Mikal is Gary's youngest brother, and his recollections of their childhood and family life will leave you even more amazed, repulsed confused and angry.
    But Gary Gilmore's life and death has a resonance that far exceeds his troubled life, cold-blooded remorseless crimes, and final iconic execution.

  • It's about time...

    5
    By deputypros
    I have been waiting from the time I purchased my iPad for "The Executioner's Song" to be released in the e-book format. I first read this story when I was in college. Norman Mailer's depiction of Gary Gilmore, his crimes and struggle to be executed by the State was eye-opening to say the least!

More by Norman Mailer & Dave Eggers

About "The Executioner's Song"

Explore The Executioner's Song by Norman Mailer & Dave Eggers on eBooksStore by Arnlweb. Discover book details, reader ratings, reviews, release information, genres, and related digital books available through the iTunes Store.

This book is part of our growing collection of bestselling eBooks, popular digital reading materials, and trending author releases. Readers can explore similar books, discover new authors, and browse related genres including fiction, romance, mystery, fantasy, business, self-help, educational books, and more.

Our platform helps readers discover highly rated digital books optimized for smartphones, tablets, laptops, and desktop devices. Browse fast-loading book pages, reader reviews, and popular recommendations from bestselling authors worldwide.

Why Readers Explore This Book

  • Detailed book information
  • Reader ratings and reviews
  • Popular author collections
  • Related digital books
  • Mobile-friendly reading discovery
  • Fast-loading book pages
  • Trending eBook recommendations

Popular Reading Categories

  • Fiction & Literature
  • Business & Finance
  • Romance & Drama
  • Mystery & Thriller
  • Fantasy & Adventure
  • Educational eBooks
  • Self-Help & Motivation