by Caroline Dalzell

Created on: February 25, 2009

I bought this book because it was on offer (I never could resist a bargain) but it turned out to be one of the most powerful stories I have ever read. Beautifully told, this emotive and true story of warped justice will both disturb and uplift you: it's a damning insight into the real terror of capital punishment as well as a tribute to the unbreakable spirit of an amazing woman, Sunny Jacobs.

Mother of two Sunny Jacobs and her partner, Jesse Tafero, were wrongfully accused in 1976 of killing two police officers in the state of Florida and sentenced to death. Her story is about her refusal to give up hope despite being on death row for five years and imprisoned for 17, and Jesse remaining on death row until his bodged execution in 1990.

The honesty and simplicity with which Sunny tells her tale makes it all the more powerful. We are offered glimpses into their world on death row through the letters they wrote constantly to each other, bolstering their unshakable conviction that the truth will out. The letters are so open, each sharing their fears and expressing their unshakable love for one another, kept going by the glimmer of hope that one day they will be reunited. All this hope despite Sunny knowing it was falsified testimonies that had put them in jail and that the police had chosen to do a deal with the devil rather than convict the right man.

Sunny had her sentence reduced to life in 1981 but Jesse stayed on death row. An amazing survivor, Sunny fought to prove their innocence and eventually won in 1992. Sadly this was two years too late for Jesse who had been electrocuted in an abominable way. There were even reports the executioners had used an artificial sponge instead of a natural sponge in his headset, knowing that this would disrupt the flow of electricity and cause unimaginable pain to Jesse. It took three jolts of electricity and 15 tortuous minutes to kill Jesse. His death caused widespread uproar around the world.

A poignant book of mangled justice and herculean courage, Sunny Jacob's tale will move you and disturb you.

Everyone should read this important book. If you ever needed a reason for the death penalty to be outlawed in the remaining countries around the world, this is one of the most powerful arguments you will find. And it is on a par with 'Man's Search For Meaning' by Viktor E Frankl for making you feel exhilarated at the capabilities of the human mind. Viktor E Frankl spent time in Auschwitz, witnessing beatings, death around every corner and the threat of termination each waking moment, but stayed positive through his agreement with Nietzsche: "He who has a why to live for can bear almost any how." Run to the shops now and buy 'Stolen Time' by Sunny Jacobs; I urge you.

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