The Executioner's Song

De: Norman Mailer

Narrado por: Maxwell Hamilton

Norman Mailer's Pulitzer Prize-winning and unforgettable classic about convicted killer Gary Gilmore now in a brand-new edition.

Arguably the greatest book from America's most heroically ambitious writer, The Executioner's Song follows the short, blighted life of Gary Gilmore who became famous after he robbed two men in 1976 and killed them in cold blood. After being tried and convicted, he immediately insisted on being executed for his crime. To do so, he fought a system that seemed intent on keeping him alive long after it had sentenced him to death. And that fight for the right to die is what made him famous.

Mailer tells not only Gilmore's story, but those of the men and women caught in the web of his life and drawn into his procession toward the firing squad. All with implacable authority, steely compassion, and a restraint that evokes the parched landscape and stern theology of Gilmore's Utah.

The Executioner's Song is a trip down the wrong side of the tracks to the deepest source of American loneliness and violence. It is a towering achievement - impossible to put down, impossible to forget.

©1980 Norman Mailer (P)2018 Hachette Audio

Still 5 Stars

I still have to give this five stars despite the imperfect narration. This outstanding book is more than worth ones time and a credit. It may not be for everyone. It touches real life like no other story.The unconditional love of Gary's family is unbelievable. The narrator doesn't convey th e charm and charisma Gilmore must of had, but there aren't many Tommy Lee Jones out there. I don't go along wit the system not giving Gary a chance.He never gave himself a chance. His alcoholism played a part in him not getting away with things and not working well for long when give the opportunity. I'm blown away by Nicoles honesty. Besides her promiscuity , She comes across as not too bright and a bit lazy.Of course these are a result of sexual abuse and depression. I found myself really liking her and caring about her. All the other characters are real people I became attached. I'm not sure if this this is an anti death penalty book.I don't think it's meant to be. If so it didn't work with me. I think the death penalty is unfairly and over used. However Gary Gilmore had it coming. Also there are things worse than death.

Maxwell Hamilton mispronounces multiple words

query; corollary; piqued

And I'm only halfway through. But it's too good a story to pass up. And I have a long drive ahead of me.

uneducated narrator; shoddy editing.

Multiple stories of people's dynamic views.

Loved it. I had to rewind a few times but it was worth it.

Great book, awful reading

It pains me greatly to hear Geraldo Rivera butchered over and over and over.

Reader is great

I hesitated getting this because some reviewers were so negative about the reader. I think he does an amazing job. Three cheers for Maxwell Hamilton. For me, he's absolutely convincing as the voice of Gary Gilmore.

Mailer's Masterpiece

This riveting portrait of Gary Gilmore invites listeners into a time capsule of America. Brilliant.

Worthy of The Pulizter Prize

Good book, long, but good. I did not know till the end it was based on a true story.

Just let them drift away to namelessness instead

Norman Mailer is trying to show us the human being behind the veil of the condemned. I get it. To me, this book reinforces the idea that execution as a penalty for crimes is a bad idea; not necessarily because it's State sponsored revenge, but because of the loathsome circus of human activity that follows a conviction. It felt like walking uphill through cactus to listen to 20+ hours of Gilmore, Gilmore, Gilmore when he murdered two people in cold blood. I was conflicted the entire time because I see myself as a proponent of prison reform and an advocate of rehabilitation, but Gary Gilmore had very few, if any, redeeming qualities. I said aloud multiple times while listening, "Just shoot him already!" I guess that's what Mailer wanted to force the reader to confront: shouldn't even the worst, most disgusting filth be spared from execution because they are human beings? I would have much rather never even heard of Gilmore because he was locked away without any fanfare until he died of old age.

Great story, excellent writing, but the narrator??

This is a well researched book with a great writer and a terrible narrator. Mega thanks to those who suggested bumping up the speed to 1.25, it really did make a difference. So why can't the Maxwell Hamilton person pronounce the word "corollary?" Or "Aquinas"?? Or, omg, Geraldo Rivera? Jeraldo?? Or the famous attorney Marvin "BELLY".. Or Claudine LonGET (hard G)?? And the real questions are these; WHO hires these people and are there NO editors/producers/directors? I get the feeling that this guy was told "Here's your studio, it's all yours, see you in 2 weeks".. Pretty sad. On the upside, the story is well written, and murderer that he was, Gilmore was a well read, intelligent guy with an artistic streak. My next purchase with be Mikal Gilmore's book. Something seriously bad happened in that family. And Maxxy baby, get a different job or at least do a few minutes of research and find out how the people you are reading about pronounce their names..

One Criminal's Death Opens Up The Flood Gates

If you were alive on January 17, 1977 I would be surprised if you were unaware of the execution of Gary Mark Gilmore in Draper, Utah even if you were, like me, residing in another country. It was most disconcerting as it raised the ugly head of execution after a ten year hiatus. However the most shocking part of THIS particular execution was that the convicted criminal was vehemently demanding to die. This was what made it so memorable plus a TV movie was made in 1982 starring Tommy Lee Jones based on this book. Everything I read in the media talked about his request to die with dignity. A privilege denied to his victims. He was portrayed as a man with a problematic past and high IQ. The emphasis on his brilliance always surprised me as if he was so brilliant why didn't he make intelligent choices. He was a convicted criminal who always got caught so I do not think that he was as smart as it was rumored. After seeing the movie I felt sorry for him. This book certainly changed my mind. Norman Mailer has written an unforgettable work. He tells us Gary's story but we learn so much about the victims. He was heartless, killing two young men on two consecutive days. He was also emotionally a teenage who had no self control. We read about his 'great love' Nicole however you question yourself as to why this man had such a penchant for very young promiscuous girls.

This execution opened up the floodgates for well over 1000 people to be executed in subsequent years. These convicted criminals have not gone to their deaths so enthusiastically as Gary Gilmore.

This book does not spare us from the gritty details and I do not recommend that you play this where children can listen as several chapters are filled with foul language (needed to explain the man and his mindset) and sexual details relating to his time in prison and his relationship with his girlfriend.

Yes, it is a 42 hour listen but I felt that it was so worth it. Some books waffle on and can lull you to sleep. This book had me totally engrossed from the first word to the last.