A Long Day in a Short Life

by Albert Maltz Narrated by Rupert Degas

Overview

Albert Maltz's novel captures the racial tension of America and the failure of the American dream. As time ticks along with indifference, the inmates of Washington's District Jail now spend their lives numbed by a daily routine behind bars, shut out of society. Each prisoner has a story: some are charged with assault, murder and manslaughter, others with forgery, robbery and larceny; others still were simply born to certain parents at a certain time in a certain country. A Long Day in a Short Life, first published in 1957 and written after Maltz's own experience of a federal prison, is a powerful indictment of the penal system and a strong reminder about the underlying humanity of each individual. Please be advised that this audiobook contains language that some may find offensive.

Editorial Reviews

MAY 2024 - AudioFile

Rupert Degas delivers what sounds like a full-cast performance--with every accent, every dialect, every nuance in place. This grim novel is based on writer Albert Maltz's imprisonment after he insulted the red-baiting House Un-American Activities Committee in 1947. The 1950s book was originally suppressed for its political message, a plea for prison reform. Degas is completely believable as he portrays Black prisoners and guards, wizened cons who speak from experience, and, in flashbacks, the women they remember. With a cast of murderers, safecrackers, forgers, and innocents, along with disturbing scenes of racism and the misuse of power, Degas makes each story heartfelt and each prisoner a real human being. This is listening at its finest--thanks to Degas. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2024, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940191730929
Publisher:	Naxos Audiobooks
Publication date:	04/14/2020
Edition description:	Unabridged

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