This book was super neat. I love how it was written like a movie script; it definitely added to the suspense of wondering whether or not Steve was guilty. I loved the little flashbacks throughout the story that panned to semi-important conversations in Steve's life. It was neat to see that normal side of him since the entire story takes place during his jail time. Speaking of that, I like that we don't learn a whole lot about Steve--or any of the other characters for that matter--because there is less room for influence on the readers' judgments on the guiltiness of each character.
I honestly didn't think much of the hug scene while reading. I saw it as a mere act of professionalism by the attorney. It would be neat if there was some indication of affection like this after they were out of the court room, or perhaps a while after the day of the verdict. The fact that the story ends on the cliff-hanger of "What did she see?" makes the reader know that five months after the trial, that idea is still bothering Steve. After further character analysis, I still don't really know what O'Brien was thinking in that moment. The two characters' relationship ended so abruptly, as did the novel. I think there is some parallelism in that; however, questions like "Why did O'Brien shy away from Steve after the verdict was called?" and "Does Steve still see himself as a monster?" still linger. Steve's personal anxiety about being a monster and wondering who he is followed him throughout the novel and beyond. Perhaps the two unanswered questions are supposed to be what follows readers' after they finish the novel.
-Kayla Loos
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