‘It speaks very poorly of us as a society’: Lawrence Wright on his book on death row and redemption
The Pulitzer prize-winning writer’s new book looks at the women on death row in Texas and the nuns who have been trying to help them
TL;DR
- Lawrence Wright's new book, "Redemption," focuses on women on death row in Texas and the nuns who minister to them.
- The book explores themes of redemption and the spiritual life, rather than solely capital punishment.
- Wright is personally involved in the case of Melissa Lucio, who has been declared "actually innocent" but faces continued legal battles.
- The article touches on recent capital punishment controversies, including abandoned plans for livestreamed executions and issues with lethal injection.
- Wright expresses disillusionment with the justice system, citing examples of flawed convictions and prosecutorial misconduct.
- The author has a history of writing about intense religious groups and sees religion as a powerful force that dictates behavior.
- Race, class, and law enforcement malpractice are also examined within the context of the death penalty system.