Rupert Degas delivers what sounds like a full-cast performance--with every accent, every dialect, every nuance in place. This grim novel is based on writer Albert Maltz's imprisonment after he insulted the red-baiting House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947. The 1950s book was originally suppressed for its political message, a plea for prison reform. Degas is completely believable as he portrays Black prisoners and guards, wizened cons who speak from experience, and, in flashbacks, the women they remember. With a cast of murderers, safecrackers, forgers, and innocents, along with disturbing scenes of racism and the misuse of power, Degas makes each story heartfelt and each prisoner a real human being. This is listening at its finest--thanks to Degas. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine
Albert Maltz's novel captures the racial tension of America and the failure
of the American dream. As time ticks along with indifference, the inmates
of Washington's District Jail now spend their lives numbed by a daily
routine behind bars, shut out of society. Each prisoner has a story: some
are charged with assault, murder and manslaughter, others with forgery,
robbery and larceny; others still were simply born to certain parents at a
certain time in a certain country. A Long Day in a Short Life, first published
in 1957 and written after Maltz's own experience of a federal prison, is a
powerful indictment of the penal system and a strong reminder about the
underlying humanity of each individual.
Please be advised that this audiobook contains language that some may find offensive.
1019931096
A Long Day in a Short Life
Albert Maltz's novel captures the racial tension of America and the failure
of the American dream. As time ticks along with indifference, the inmates
of Washington's District Jail now spend their lives numbed by a daily
routine behind bars, shut out of society. Each prisoner has a story: some
are charged with assault, murder and manslaughter, others with forgery,
robbery and larceny; others still were simply born to certain parents at a
certain time in a certain country. A Long Day in a Short Life, first published
in 1957 and written after Maltz's own experience of a federal prison, is a
powerful indictment of the penal system and a strong reminder about the
underlying humanity of each individual.
Please be advised that this audiobook contains language that some may find offensive.
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Editorial Reviews
Product Details
BN ID: | 2940191793986 |
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Publisher: | Naxos Audiobooks |
Publication date: | 04/14/2020 |
Edition description: | Unabridged |
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