Welcome to Hell: Letters and Writings from Death Row
Welcome to Hell - Jan Arriens
by Jan Arriens (Editor)
America's Death Row contains some of the most violent and depraved human beings on this planet...yet, in this collection of writings from Death Row inmates, we see that even evil can have another side.
In Welcome to Hell , Jan Arriens has assembled a collection of letters and writings from inmates on Death Row which cover a wide range of subjects, from cockroach racing to repairing a typewriter with rubber bands and a toothbrush. Some of the writing is humourous; one inmate writes "I received a travel brochure today - from Princess Cruiselines - they offered me a 40% discount on an Alaskan cruise if I book 3 months in advance. Do you think I should take them up on it?" Some is religious.Some philosophical. However it is all sensitive, touching and compelling.
A lot of the inmates describe how they manage to survive daily life on Death Row.Others tell how they cope with the threat of execution,how they deal with abandonment by their families and loved ones. Some admit their crimes and ask for forgiveness - others steadfastly maintain their innocence.
There is a foreword by Sister Helen Prejean - author of Dead Man Walking (which has now been made into a film).There are a few - but not enough - photographs, and a final chapter about the Death Row appeals system which reveals some shocking facts. For example, lawyers working on Death Row cases receive less than $1 per hour - less than a teenager serving burgers at McDonalds.
Also included in the book are adresses for those wishing to correspond with Death Row inmates.
These men - for they are mainly men - have committed crimes which are, in many cases, too horrific for us to contemplate, yet alone understand.Yet suppose for a minute that just one of them might be innocent, as some of the inmates featured in this book almost certainly are.
No-one can condone violent crime.However this book helps us to realise that there is some good in everyone, even the so-called dregs of humanity.It is a shocking book, a real eye - opener and one that should be required reading for anyone who believes in the Death Penalty.This book needs to be read with an open mind - if you can momentarily put aside the terrible crimes committed which resulted in a death sentence, then you cannot fail to be moved by the bareing of souls this book contains.
Publisher: Northeastern University Press
ISBN:155553290X
Price: £14.95 / $17.95 p/b
Date Reviewed: October 2002
My Rating: 4/5
