When writer Sister Helen Prejean became a pen pal to a death row inmate, she simply thought she was doing a nice gesture. However, she soon discovered that befriending a death row inmate would be a life-altering experience. Sister Helen’s views on capital punishment begin to change once she understands more about it.
Sister Helen Prejean’s story begins when she comes to know a death row inmate. He would change her life forever. Not the cold-hearted and creepy criminal she expected, Pat Sonnier turns out to be a man who is actually caring and quite sorry for the crime he committed. Eventually she becomes his spiritual advisor and commits herself to this life work. Sister Prejean soon discovers Pat doesn’t deserve to be on death row, and wants to do everything in her power to prevent his execution.
Once Sister Prejean sees what the death row inmates go through when it’s their time to go to the death house, she begins to realize that no one should have to face the death penalty. She and others with common beliefs set up different programs and groups with the primary goal of abolishing the death penalty in Louisiana. Their group organizes several events such as walks between towns, public speeches, and being present at every execution to protest capital punishment. As the book continues, she learns that it is necessary to show compassion not only to the criminals, but the victims’ families as well. Her and another nun set up a program to help the families of victims of violent crimes cope with their loss. Sister Prejean begins to see what they go through as well, yet still holds true to her opposition of the death penalty.
Throughout the book, Sister Prejean also presents countless facts and detailed information to help portray the horrors of the death penalty. Some of the issues she discusses include: attorney efficiency, overall cost of death, complete guiltiness of the accused, cruel sorts of punishment, and why the government is allowed to kill its citizens. Most of the information is quite shocking, and you begin to question what your own views of the death penalty are. Did you really support something so horrible, especially without knowing all of the facts?
Dead Man Walking is a book that will shake your foundation and beliefs of capital punishment and criminal justice. All of the information in her book is true, which is extremely startling. One feels emotions such as rage, sorrow, astonishment, wonder, and shock. You are drawn into the lives of men who were at one point so vindictive, yet then can be so terrified and frightened when faced with certain and controlled death. This book does an excellent job of playing with one’s emotions and making one question their own views of what could be America’s most controversial concern today.