Today I am reviewing The Execution of Noa P. Singleton by Elizabeth L. Silver for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in return for my honest review.
About the book (from the publisher): The Execution of Noa P. Singleton is a clever, gripping and psychologically astute novel about a young woman on death row, what she did to get there, and why she may never share the truth with a living soul. It is unapologetic, unpredictable and unforgettable. It begins with Noa’s imminent death in a Pennsylvania penitentiary. Incarcerated at the age of twenty-five for the murder of Sarah Dixon and having served ten years with little hope of appeal, Noa Singleton is ready to die. Yet, six months before her execution date, she has an unexpected visitor, high-powered attorney Marlene Dixon. Marlene, the mother of Noa’s victim, has initiated a clemency petition on Noa’s behalf. But why would Marlene change her mind, and what does she want from Noa? As Noa’s prison memoir unfolds, we learn about the events leading up to Sarah’s murder, as well as the links binding Noa, Sarah, and Marlene’s fates. Interspersed throughout the novel are Marlene’s confessional letters to her daughter that reveal clues exposing a past filled with love, anguish and deception. But which story is sincere? As Noa’s execution date looms large, we are faced with truths just as sinister as the crime of which she has been accused.
My review: I read this book during the course of one day. I rarely do that, but I couldn’t put it down. What a powerful debut novel from the author! Silver is a gifted writer who takes us on a journey through the mind and memories of Noa P. Singleton, as well as Marlene Dixon, slowly revealing a ‘truth’ here, dropping a hint there. This ‘reveal’ is done so artfully that it will keep you guessing right up to the end.
The character of Noa is vividly drawn, her voice unmistakeable. Through her words, we get a detailed picture of the trial process, legal maneuvering and the prison system. The author studied and practiced law and her knowledge of the system contributes mightily to this novel. Encouraged to tell her story by Oliver, the young idealistic lawyer who is assisting Dixon on the plea for clemency, Noa gives us bits and pieces of her past that flesh her out – but she holds some things back.
Marlene’s letters to her dead daughter also give us tantalizing clues about her motives and her feelings about Noa, her daughter and the legal system. The death penalty looms throughout the book; is it morally conscionable? What about the legal system, does it serve those accused of crimes? Is the issue black and white or are there shades of gray?
Here’s what I loved about this book. There are so many twists and turns, so many supposed facts based on a character’s perceptions, so many missing puzzle pieces that are not found until the very end. The publisher uses the word ‘unapologetic’ and I can’t think of a better way to describe this book – it’s a complicated and complex book that is riveting. You can’t help but ponder the moral issues here and you can’t help but be caught up in Noa’s story. She serves it up in bits and pieces; she’s unwilling to reveal her final secrets until the end. I haven’t seen a more compelling character than Noa in a long time.
I still can’t stop thinking about the story and about Noa herself. And though I pride myself on being able to figure out the way a complicated plot will end, I was completely surprised by the secrets that are revealed toward the end of this book. Silver is an amazing writer and this novel is one I would urge everyone to read – not just for the characters and plot but for the issues it raises, the questions that linger.
About the author: Silver, a writer, attorney and former English teacher, is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, the MA program in Creative Writing from the University of East Anglia in England, and Temple University Beasley School of Law. She studied capital punishment with some of the nation’s leading anti-death penalty attorneys at The University of Texas School of Law at Austin, where she worked on a clemency petition, and later worked as a Judicial Clerk for the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals. As part of the clemency investigation, she visited death row, interviewed inmates and met with victim family members. While exploring the provocative and polarizing issues of the death penalty, Silver wanted to explore both sides of the issue, and thus her novel was born. Silver’s taut writing, which has brought recognition from Glimmer Train, funding from the NEA, and writing residencies in Spain and France, carries the reader forward to the story’s shocking end.
One of you lucky readers will win a copy of this book. Just leave a comment on this post and I will pick a winner on Sunday night. Good luck!
As always, Claudia, your book review makes me want to run out and get my hands on the book right away! Thank you for sharing this new author with us–I will put her on my ‘to read’ list, and maybe I’ll get lucky with your giveaway! Wishing you and Scout a good day…Martha
Wow would love to win this book but if I don’t definitely will be reading it. Love books that you can’t put down. Will have to make sure all my chores are done before I begin reading it. My cat, Missy will love sitting beside me for such a long period of time while I read.
Wow! what a great review! Has me wanting to read this book! Have a nice day, Doris
Recently discovered your blog and have been enjoying it. This book sounds amazing — can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the chance.
This is exactly the kind of book I love…can’t put it down and keeps you guessing until the end. I can usually figure
out the end of most I read, but just love it when there is a twist and the ending is not what I expect. Many thanks for
bringing this book to our attention.
I read about this book last Sunday. Put it on my “to read” list. Thanks for the review!
Ya got me- Hope I “get it” :D
What a great review, Claudia! I’d love to be chosen and I can–like you enjoy so often–read it on the deck (no porch) while Miss Bella lays at my feet!
Dear friend,
This book is on my to read list—great review. Have a day filled with sunshine from middle TN!
What a great review Claudia..You’ve made me feel like I want to read it NOW!!
Living in Pennsylvania, I enjoy novels that take place here. That Noa is on death row and near execution is interesting since PA executes very few of its death row inmates. This one is on my “to read list.”
Would love to read this book. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
What an awesome review! I would love the opportunity to win this, but will definately be reading it either way!
Nothing like a good book that you don’t want to put down till you’ve finished it!
What a fantastic review, love discovering new talented authors! Thanks!
I would love to read this book.
I too have considered the Writing Program at East Anglia University.
Claudia- you always give such honest and thorough reviews. I usually go right to my library site after reading one of your reviews and hope to fine the title there.
Thanks for another great review.
Great review, Claudia! Coincidentally, I just requested this book through my local library. Can’t wait to read it. Sounds terrific.
I love a book that I can’t put down. I am definitely going to read this one. xo Laura
Wow! This sounds like a great read and I hope I win it! The author sounds like an extremely bright and up and coming writer from whom we can expect many more great books.
Claudia, I love that you review books on your blog. I’ve been a reader since the age of four and read anything but so many books disappoint me. This one sounds like a winner. Thanks for offered your readers a chance to win.
You have me hooked. can’t wait to read it.
Yeah, sounds like a real page turner! I like stories that aren’t so predictable. Sounds like a good one, albeit a bit gruesome.
Wow thanks for the chance at this great book! I havent read a good one in a while. Count me in!
Sounds like a great read! I’m going to recommend this one to my book club!
As always, your review is excellent. I’ll be reading this one, too.
jane in tx
Looking forward to reading this book!! Thanks for the chance to win a copy!
What a great review.I really want to read it now, so you’ve done a good job. luv and Blessings
This one sounds very exciting………….I certainly would love to read it so please throw my name in Claudia, many thanks.
You write such excellent reviews by the way.
I’m currently reading the Orchardist by Amanda Coplin – long and stunning, quite different from anything I’ve read recently. Next up – The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce.
‘See ya’ for the Saturday party!!!!
Bob’s in NH for a few days with siblings – baseball and beers!!!!
Mary X
Perfect: A mystery that is complex and well written. Thank you, Claudia, for a wonderful review and for the chance to win a copy of this book!
I depend on book reviews when I determine which books I want to read. So I know I want to read this one because I’ve read so many good reviews of it and not a single bad review. Thanks.
This review has really caught my attention! I would love to read this book in between unpacking boxes! :)
hugs,
Linda
It sounds intriguing and I’d love a copy of that book. I’ve just read the new Jack Reacher novel A Wanted Man and started the new one by Harlan Coben novel Six Years. Good book so far.
xo,
Connie
I would love to have this book–it has been ages since I have read a “just can’t put it down” book.
Sounds like a great book! I’ll be buying this one if I don’t win it. Thanks for the chance!
Sounds like and edge of your seat book, would love to win a copy, but I’m putting it on my library list too!
Thanks so much for your excellent and thoughtful book review. I am always looking for new good reads to add to my (already long!) book list!
Your review intrigues me. I would really like to own this book. Thanks.
This is the kind of books I like to read. I love twist and turns. This book will be added to my list of reads for sure.
Thank you for the having the giveaway. pam
I’m glad to see that this book will stick with you for a long time.
Thanks for being on the tour. I’m featuring your review on TLC’s Facebook page today.
As an avid reader, this psychological thriller sounds absolutely riveting! Thanks for including me in the giveaway. :-)