Seventy Times Seven: A True Story of Murder and Mercy

A teenage girl kills a white elderly bible teacher in a violent home invasion in 1985 in Gary, Indiana. The victim's grandson Bill forgives the girl and campaigns to spare her life, sparking a debate about the value of human life and the nature of justice.

Format: Hardback
Length: 384 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Bedford Square Publishers

A captivating and deeply moving work of literary non-fiction, "The Girl Who Killed a Boy" delves into the shocking crime committed by a teenage girl and the extraordinary aftermath that followed. Written by acclaimed author Hilary Mantel, this book explores the intricate web of social history, shedding light on the mystery and miracle of forgiveness.

The story unfolds on a spring afternoon in 1985 in Gary, Indiana, where a fifteen-year-old black girl, Paula, commits a violent home invasion and kills a white elderly bible teacher. In a city with a history of racial tension, the press quickly descends upon the scene, eager to cover the story. However, when Paula is sentenced to death, there is no outcry from the public, as many view her as a tenth-grader who should face the consequences of her actions.

But the tide begins to shift when the victim's grandson, Bill, forgives Paula against the wishes of his family and launches a campaign to spare her life. This tragedy in a midwestern steel town soon reverberates across the United States and even reaches the Vatican, as newspapers prominently feature the story on their front pages and millions sign petitions in support of Paula.

As Paula waits on death row, her fate sparks a profound debate that not only captivates legal circles but also raises essential questions about the value of human life. Mantel's storytelling compels us to consider the nature of justice and the potential for radical acts of empathy. Through the eyes of various characters, the book explores the complexities of forgiveness, redemption, and the human capacity for compassion.

"The Girl Who Killed a Boy" is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to shed light on the darker aspects of human nature. It is a must-read for anyone interested in social history, justice, and the human condition.

Weight: 602g
Dimension: 243 x 250 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781915798961