Death Row - Jacob Clabo

Honestly, this book is a little messed up. Having the job of executioner is one thing, but to be recruited at such a young age under the impression that you are joining to make a difference only to be ordered and convinced into killing a man simply out of retaliation is another thing entirely. I personally had trouble understanding why it had to be him to kill Dawson. Was he being tested, was this a right of passage, or was he just chosen? While the others in the Movement have come to terms that whatever goes on in war is strictly business, Elisha's problems show his internal struggles toward the almost brainwashing tactics of not only the Movement, but war in general.

When it came to Elisha's interactions with Dawson, I felt almost as if it were a very bad version of the movie "the Green Mile." Dawson was going to be killed and everyone else in the Movement felt that this was okay because it was what had to be done in war. They had no problems interacting with Dawson, possibly to make his last moments pleasant. However, I think Elisha was almost being selfish in his treatment of Dawson. Dawson was going to die whether it was by his hand or another, so he could have at least made Dawson's final memories pleasant, and that is where I connect this story to the Green Mile. How would you have treated Dawson if you were in Elisha's position, and what would you have been feeling?

P.S. I commented on Cade's and Luke's posts.