Isn’t it strange how some books start to fade as soon as the final page has been reached while others haunt the reader for weeks, months and even years thereafter? It’s over a year now since I read “The Green Mile” by Stephen King and yet the main characters have stayed with me, forcing me from time to time to give consideration to the issues that they faced, and the unresolved questions in my mind that they raised. Whenever I hear of a prisoner in the U.S. on death row awaiting their fate, I find myself thinking of the occupants of the state penitentiary in Cold Mountain in the year 1932 as it is portrayed in this novel. If I see a comment advocating the re-introduction of the death penalty in this country, I wonder if the proposer has thought through the details of how they would implement it.
Paul Edgecombe, the narrator of The Green Mile, knew all too well the details of his job, and he had come to
terms with them in a remarkably mature way. Presiding as superintendent over E-block, an isolated part of the penitentiary with capacity for up to six prisoners at any one time - all destined for the electric chair - he led a small team of guards responsible for preparing the prisoners for their fate and carrying out their sentences. He had learned to have faith in the justice system delivering to his charge only prisoners whose deeds the state deemed to merit the death penalty, but he saw this as punishment enough and he attempted to ensure that the inmates were treated in a way that allowed them their dignity at all times. Not all of his team shared his vision – one in particular being prone to his own brand of brutality.
Paul Edgecombe’s faith in the justice system and acceptance of his role in its administration, however, were shattered, when a new inmate, John Coffey, arrived who did not fit the mould. He showed a remarkable degree of compassion and demonstrated healing powers. For the first time in his career, Paul Edgecombe was forced to confront the fact that he might be required by his job to execute an innocent man and one who could be of extraordinary value to society. Attempts to get his case re-examined met with predictable frustrations and setbacks. Efforts to use his healing powers led to some exciting, if rather implausible, eleventh hour antics.
The whole tale is told from the distance of many years. Paul Edgecombe is a resident in an old people’s home. The events and effects of 1932 have haunted him throughout his life. He can recall the gruesome details of each execution, the characters of each of the criminals whom he supported in their final hours, and the performance of each of the guards as they took turns to fulfil key duties. He can also recall lighter moments such as those brought about by a prisoner training a mouse to do tricks. Inevitably, however, he questions his own life’s worth.
Stephen King wrote this novel as a serialisation in six parts and by his own admission it was “hurried”. In his view (which is included as an “author’s afterword”), the book could not be published in a single volume without amendment as it was written to be issued in instalments. Nevertheless, that is exactly what has happened. As a result, there is some repetition in each part intended to refresh the reader’s recollection of previous events. In a strange way this serves to underline the elderliness of the narrator as if he is prone to forget what he has already told you and is telling you again just to be sure.
This is not a book for anyone looking for a light-hearted read. It will make you think, possibly for longer than you want to, about the value of human life and core human rights. Although of immediate relevance to those in countries that still have the death penalty, it also raises a broader question that arises within any debate on euthanasia. Should it ever be someone’s (peacetime) duty to kill another whether in the name of justice or mercy?
The copy I have is a paperback edition, published by Orion Fiction, price £6.99 ISBN 0-75283-422-3. The cover shows Tom Hanks starring in the role of Paul Edgemore in the movie adaptation of the book.
the book is far better than the film but great review on a great book.... worth a second read
surfchik27 13.06.2005 10:03
Good review. I really enjoyed this book too.
mum52 30.05.2005 12:36
Great review. I haven't read the book but I have seen the film, which haunted me for some time after watching it. The issues raised certainly do make you think. Thanks for writing :-)
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This novel (now complete in one volume) taps into what Stephen King does best: ... more
character-driven storytelling. The setting is the small "death house" of a Southern prison in 1932. The charming narrator is an old man looking back on the events, decades l...
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This novel (now complete in one volume) taps into what Stephen King does best: ... more
character-driven storytelling. The setting is the small "death house" of a Southern prison in 1932. The charming narrator is an old man looking back on the events, decades l...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
Jan 24th, 2005
(Feb 5th, 2005)
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