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Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada
Shining a light on the dark history of hangings in Canada.
Take a journey through notable cases in Canada’s criminal justice history, featuring well-known and some less-well-known figures from the past. You'll meet Arthur Ellis, Canada’s most famous hangman, whose work outfit was a frock coat and striped trousers, often with a flower pinned to his lapel. And you will also encounter other memorable characters, including the man who was hanged twice and the gun-toting bootlegger who was the only woman every executed in Alberta.
Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada illustrates how trial, sentencing, and punishment operated in Canada’s first century, and examines the relevance of capital punishment today. Along the way, learn about the mathematics and physics behind hangings, as well as disturbing facts about bungled executions and wrongful convictions.
Take a journey through notable cases in Canada’s criminal justice history, featuring well-known and some less-well-known figures from the past. You'll meet Arthur Ellis, Canada’s most famous hangman, whose work outfit was a frock coat and striped trousers, often with a flower pinned to his lapel. And you will also encounter other memorable characters, including the man who was hanged twice and the gun-toting bootlegger who was the only woman every executed in Alberta.
Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada illustrates how trial, sentencing, and punishment operated in Canada’s first century, and examines the relevance of capital punishment today. Along the way, learn about the mathematics and physics behind hangings, as well as disturbing facts about bungled executions and wrongful convictions.
208 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2017
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
June 29, 2017
Many thanks to Lorna Poplak, Dundurn Press, and Netgalley for the free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Interesting fact to remember for Pub Trivia night: between the years 1867 and 1976, when the death penalty was abolished in Canada, 704 people were hanged, and only one for treason.
I love Dundern books. I have a dear friend who is Canadian, and these books give me the opportunity to learn obscure lessons about his country. I can't tell you how many conversations have been sparked by these tomes.
The treason case was a fickle case. It was still raising its head in 1973, almost 100 years later. But his hanging instigated the bill to move all such punishments out of the public eye. And so it goes; hangings either having a direct effect on legislation or culture.
The towns would hoist a black flag and ring the church bells every time someone succumbed to the rope. And succumb they did-for murder. Women, too. Women seemed to enjoy murdering their husbands. Almost every case of female hanging is for that.
Types of hanging are discussed as well as their after effects. It seems to be an art for the executioner. A few men made it their main profession traveling cross country and being on retainer with the government.
Parliament has no intention of reintroducing the death penalty in Canada (I doubt it would be by hanging), but it seems a large portion of the population would support it if it were to happen. Certain heinous crimes spark retribution.
Dundern didn't fail me. I had another interesting conversation with my Buddy about his country's philosophy as well as his own belief system. I'm a vengeful person. I believe in the death penalty. An eye for an eye. Poplak's book was an insightful experience. I'd like a book like this about my own country, but I'm afraid it would be quite thick. It just proves Canada is a more docile environment while America is, shall we say, quite fervid?
Interesting fact to remember for Pub Trivia night: between the years 1867 and 1976, when the death penalty was abolished in Canada, 704 people were hanged, and only one for treason.
I love Dundern books. I have a dear friend who is Canadian, and these books give me the opportunity to learn obscure lessons about his country. I can't tell you how many conversations have been sparked by these tomes.
The treason case was a fickle case. It was still raising its head in 1973, almost 100 years later. But his hanging instigated the bill to move all such punishments out of the public eye. And so it goes; hangings either having a direct effect on legislation or culture.
The towns would hoist a black flag and ring the church bells every time someone succumbed to the rope. And succumb they did-for murder. Women, too. Women seemed to enjoy murdering their husbands. Almost every case of female hanging is for that.
Types of hanging are discussed as well as their after effects. It seems to be an art for the executioner. A few men made it their main profession traveling cross country and being on retainer with the government.
Parliament has no intention of reintroducing the death penalty in Canada (I doubt it would be by hanging), but it seems a large portion of the population would support it if it were to happen. Certain heinous crimes spark retribution.
Dundern didn't fail me. I had another interesting conversation with my Buddy about his country's philosophy as well as his own belief system. I'm a vengeful person. I believe in the death penalty. An eye for an eye. Poplak's book was an insightful experience. I'd like a book like this about my own country, but I'm afraid it would be quite thick. It just proves Canada is a more docile environment while America is, shall we say, quite fervid?
November 10, 2021
I've always been curious about hangings. Execution, accidental, murder or suicide, just what or better yet, why would anyone do that? Seems hardcore to me. Actually, it seems pretty dang gruesome. The thought that people would watch these hangings, and make a day of it is astonishing. Bring the beer and pack a picnic, we have a death to watch! Hey, maybe their head will pop off like last time! Fun times. Ms. Poplak did a great job in researching these stories, and giving me an insight into Canadian history. Whether they were murderer or victim, it seemed very sad and tawdry. The book was occasionally repetitive, but it still gets 4 stars from me. My thanks to Netgalley and Dundurn Press for this e-arc.
December 4, 2022
Vor Kurzem hat mich eine Studienkollegin als "eine richtige Hufflepuff" bezeichnet, "wie man sie aus Fanfictions kennt." Von außen wirke ich also unschuldig und so, als könnte ich niemandem je absichtlich schaden und dann besitze ich aber "beunruhigend viel" Wissen über Gifte, Mordwaffen, gruselige Gött:innen und Folklore. Ups? Mir ist zwar nicht klar, wie man über ein Thema beunruhigend viel Wissen haben kann, aber sie redet noch mit mir, also kann das auch nichts zu schlechtes sein. Falls ihr zu den Menschen gehört, die weniger "beunruhigendes" Wissen haben, da aber aufholen möchten, könntet ihr auf jeden Fall mit "Drop Dead" beginnen. Hier geht es um die Todesstrafe in Kanada. Also: Wie funktioniert das Erhängen eigentlich? Wer wurde erhängt und warum? Wie hat sich der Kampf gegen die Todesstrafe entwickelt? Was waren die berühmtesten Fälle? Und warum ist das Erhängen eigentlich problematisch?
Ich verstehe jeden Menschen, der mir sagt, dass er oder sie sich nicht freiwillig mit so einem Thema beschäftigen möchte. Für mich war dieses Buch aber interessant und ihr wärt überrascht, wie oft ich seitdem mit Wissen aus diesem Buch glänzen konnte. Allein schon in meiner Arbeit über Atem bei "Oliver Twist" konnte ich durch dieses Sachbuch positiv herausstechen. Und deswegen steht dieses Buch jetzt auch im Literaturverzeichnis meiner Proseminararbeit.
Dieses Sachbuch habe ich als Hörbuch konsumiert. Die Sprecherin hat das meiner Meinung nach richtig gut gemacht. Sie erzählt ganz unaufgeregt über das Thema, was ich für gut halte. Ich höre ja zum Beispiel keine True-Crime-Podcasts und Ähnliches, da die auf mich oft voyeuristisch wirken. Das hier war ein ganz normales Sachbuch über einen Aspekt der kanadischen Geschichte, von dem wir froh sein können, dass er vorbei ist. Und gleichzeitig ist es auf eine Art geschrieben und gelesen, durch die die Lektüre trotzdem spannend und mitreißend ist. Ich wollte einfach unbedingt wissen, wie sich das Thema Erhängen in Charakter entwickelt hat.
Mein Fazit? Ich hatte an dieses Buch nicht besonders hohe Erwartungen, sondern wollte einfach nur Zeit während einer Zugfahrt totschlagen. Es war dann aber doch eine richtig spannende Lektüre, die ich trotz des sehr düsteren Themas genossen habe.
Ich verstehe jeden Menschen, der mir sagt, dass er oder sie sich nicht freiwillig mit so einem Thema beschäftigen möchte. Für mich war dieses Buch aber interessant und ihr wärt überrascht, wie oft ich seitdem mit Wissen aus diesem Buch glänzen konnte. Allein schon in meiner Arbeit über Atem bei "Oliver Twist" konnte ich durch dieses Sachbuch positiv herausstechen. Und deswegen steht dieses Buch jetzt auch im Literaturverzeichnis meiner Proseminararbeit.
Dieses Sachbuch habe ich als Hörbuch konsumiert. Die Sprecherin hat das meiner Meinung nach richtig gut gemacht. Sie erzählt ganz unaufgeregt über das Thema, was ich für gut halte. Ich höre ja zum Beispiel keine True-Crime-Podcasts und Ähnliches, da die auf mich oft voyeuristisch wirken. Das hier war ein ganz normales Sachbuch über einen Aspekt der kanadischen Geschichte, von dem wir froh sein können, dass er vorbei ist. Und gleichzeitig ist es auf eine Art geschrieben und gelesen, durch die die Lektüre trotzdem spannend und mitreißend ist. Ich wollte einfach unbedingt wissen, wie sich das Thema Erhängen in Charakter entwickelt hat.
Mein Fazit? Ich hatte an dieses Buch nicht besonders hohe Erwartungen, sondern wollte einfach nur Zeit während einer Zugfahrt totschlagen. Es war dann aber doch eine richtig spannende Lektüre, die ich trotz des sehr düsteren Themas genossen habe.
July 11, 2017
Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada gives an outline of the death penalty in Canada from 1867 to 1976, when the death penalty was abolished in Canada. There has been debate in Canada about re-establishing the death penalty after serious, hard-hitting cases like the Paul Bernardo murder case. In the 109 years of Canadian capital punishment, 704 Canadians were hanged. 703 hangings were for various crimes like murder, rape, burglary, etc., and 1 for treason.
I am a bit surprised at how engaging, interesting and thought provoking I found this book by Lorna Poplak. She presents stories of the condemned, information on the job of executioner, backgrounds and history of famous executioners, plus the science and art of properly hanging a prisoner without undue suffering. The book also provides thought provoking insights on related issues such as public vs private executions, the debate on the death penalty as crime deterrent or sanctioned revenge killing, botched hangings, executing women, and wrongful convictions. The book is not ghoulish and does not delight in the history of death by hanging. Instead, it presents balanced information on the practice using historical fact and leaves readers to make their own conclusions about the death penalty.
I enjoyed this book. I am still unsure about my opinion of the death penalty. On the one hand, I believe that justice should fit the crime. But on the other hand, does anyone have the right to take a human life? I'm not sure what the correct answer is.
Anyone interested in the death penalty debate, Canadian history, criminal justice and related topics will enjoy this book. I found it fascinating. The topic is discussed respectfully, without undue gory details or any disrespect towards the condemned or court/law enforcement officials. Drop Dead is a very thought provoking book! I'm glad I read it!
Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada will release August 22, 2017 from Dundurn Press.
**I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book from Dundurn via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
I am a bit surprised at how engaging, interesting and thought provoking I found this book by Lorna Poplak. She presents stories of the condemned, information on the job of executioner, backgrounds and history of famous executioners, plus the science and art of properly hanging a prisoner without undue suffering. The book also provides thought provoking insights on related issues such as public vs private executions, the debate on the death penalty as crime deterrent or sanctioned revenge killing, botched hangings, executing women, and wrongful convictions. The book is not ghoulish and does not delight in the history of death by hanging. Instead, it presents balanced information on the practice using historical fact and leaves readers to make their own conclusions about the death penalty.
I enjoyed this book. I am still unsure about my opinion of the death penalty. On the one hand, I believe that justice should fit the crime. But on the other hand, does anyone have the right to take a human life? I'm not sure what the correct answer is.
Anyone interested in the death penalty debate, Canadian history, criminal justice and related topics will enjoy this book. I found it fascinating. The topic is discussed respectfully, without undue gory details or any disrespect towards the condemned or court/law enforcement officials. Drop Dead is a very thought provoking book! I'm glad I read it!
Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada will release August 22, 2017 from Dundurn Press.
**I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book from Dundurn via NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.**
July 21, 2017
A book focused on hangings in Canada sounds like a weird topic, right? But it was actually quite interesting.
The book covers the hangings starting in 1867 when the British North American Act established the Dominion of Canada and ends when capital punishment was abolished in 1967. In total, there were 704 people hanged in Canada during these years and in this book are stories are the first and last men to be hung, the first and last women to be hung, the youngest to be hung, and many more.
In addition, there are chapters dedicated to famous people such as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, who had been murdered, and Louis Riel, who had been hanged. There is a chapter on Arthur Ellis, Canada's most famous hangman. There are chapters dedicated to those who had been on death's row such as Stephen Truscott (who has since been acquitted).
I liked the writing style of this book. There was lots of information but not too much.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/07...
The book covers the hangings starting in 1867 when the British North American Act established the Dominion of Canada and ends when capital punishment was abolished in 1967. In total, there were 704 people hanged in Canada during these years and in this book are stories are the first and last men to be hung, the first and last women to be hung, the youngest to be hung, and many more.
In addition, there are chapters dedicated to famous people such as Thomas D'Arcy McGee, who had been murdered, and Louis Riel, who had been hanged. There is a chapter on Arthur Ellis, Canada's most famous hangman. There are chapters dedicated to those who had been on death's row such as Stephen Truscott (who has since been acquitted).
I liked the writing style of this book. There was lots of information but not too much.
Blog review post: http://www.teenaintoronto.com/2017/07...
February 23, 2020
A well written, well researched read. And entertaining and fascinating walk through Canada's history with the noose.
August 27, 2017
To hang or not to hang…ultimately that is the question.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading, Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada. Newly published by Dundurn, this engrossing volume is filled with unique facts I found fascinating and compelling regarding our country’s controversial judicial system. Although some of the information can also repel, owing to the author’s masterful restraint, that never happens in a grossly macabre or overtly gruesome way. And let’s face it, crime isn’t pretty. Not in referencing the details of the heinous acts committed, nor in referencing a perpetrators’ final comeuppance. But like it or not, for more than a century many of our country’s cold blooded criminals were deemed deserving of a government sanctioned demise.
Selectively presenting a broad spectrum of violators and victims spanning our country’s racial, economic and age demographics since Confederation, the author deftly brings an unsavoury cast of characters to life in very illustrative terms. Equally represented, and in one or two cases almost as unsavoury, are numerous judges, attorneys, executioners, jurors, prison officials, etc who affected the outcome of court events. In cases of guilt, some parties remained belligerent to the end. In other cases the guilty party was repentant. While in still others, said guilty party went to the gallows steadfastly proclaiming to be innocent…so what else is new? Well lots apparently. Due to this author’s well mined research, flagrant miscarriages of justice do not go unreported. And yes mistakes were made.
This illustrated volume contains period photographs leaving no doubt that both men and women have shared guilt in perpetrating the nasty business of crime. But also nasty was our country’s thirst for public hangings. It seems the guilty pleasure they generated made such events as enthusiastically attended as age old blood sports, turning some hangmen into local heroes and others into bloody pariahs along the way. But let’s face it, much like a nurse administering an enema even a crappy job requires that somebody has to do it. Therefore I’m thankful Canada’s present law forbids capital punishment, and nobody has to drop the trap.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading, Drop Dead: A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada. Newly published by Dundurn, this engrossing volume is filled with unique facts I found fascinating and compelling regarding our country’s controversial judicial system. Although some of the information can also repel, owing to the author’s masterful restraint, that never happens in a grossly macabre or overtly gruesome way. And let’s face it, crime isn’t pretty. Not in referencing the details of the heinous acts committed, nor in referencing a perpetrators’ final comeuppance. But like it or not, for more than a century many of our country’s cold blooded criminals were deemed deserving of a government sanctioned demise.
Selectively presenting a broad spectrum of violators and victims spanning our country’s racial, economic and age demographics since Confederation, the author deftly brings an unsavoury cast of characters to life in very illustrative terms. Equally represented, and in one or two cases almost as unsavoury, are numerous judges, attorneys, executioners, jurors, prison officials, etc who affected the outcome of court events. In cases of guilt, some parties remained belligerent to the end. In other cases the guilty party was repentant. While in still others, said guilty party went to the gallows steadfastly proclaiming to be innocent…so what else is new? Well lots apparently. Due to this author’s well mined research, flagrant miscarriages of justice do not go unreported. And yes mistakes were made.
This illustrated volume contains period photographs leaving no doubt that both men and women have shared guilt in perpetrating the nasty business of crime. But also nasty was our country’s thirst for public hangings. It seems the guilty pleasure they generated made such events as enthusiastically attended as age old blood sports, turning some hangmen into local heroes and others into bloody pariahs along the way. But let’s face it, much like a nurse administering an enema even a crappy job requires that somebody has to do it. Therefore I’m thankful Canada’s present law forbids capital punishment, and nobody has to drop the trap.
March 31, 2022
This is easily one of most interesting books I have ever read, and maybe the best book I ever read by Canadian author. First of all this book more than confirmed my theory the reason they call it capital punishment is because if you don't have the money to afford a good lawyer you get the punishment. Also who knew that hangman actually had to supply their own ropes and straps and covers to put over the person's face that they were hanging for the hanging they were to perform, plus the hangman had pay their own travel expenses which was not cheap, because it was not unusual for hangman in Canada in 19Th and the early 20Th century to do a hanging in the east coast than have take a train to Vancouver for a hanging the next week. Also hangman were not liked by the general public in Canada, in fact those had another job besides being a hangman usually to hide the fact that they were hangman, because it they didn't hide that fact there was very good chance that the hangman would be fired from their other job. That did happen to one hangman in this book. I will not say the reason for that, you have to read the book to find out why. This book is only a 180 pages and yet has a ton of interesting information. Any writer that cram a lot of information without needing a lot of pages to do it always impresses me. My only criticism is the book could have mentioned a little more about the hangman in their privates lives.
June 13, 2019
Interesting book dealing with the history of more notable hangings in Canada. A discussion also of the hangmen who were tasked with the responsibility of carrying out the verdict of the court. These included Arthur Ellis who often traveled to sites of hanging with his own supplies such as rope, straps and a black cap, and occasionally his own gallows which was painted bright red. He was known to be violent and a heavy drinker similar to another hangman, John Radclive.
Men and a few women were hanged, some of those cited by the author were probably innocent, many were guilty and some were hanged while the real murderer walked free and may even have killed again. Finally in 1998 Canada fully abolished hanging.
The author describes a few grisly hangings gone wrong which would seem to add credence to calls to abolish this form of punishment. The book is objectively written and does not seem to lean in favor or against the practice. In fact the author ends by asking the question, "What's your verdict?"
Men and a few women were hanged, some of those cited by the author were probably innocent, many were guilty and some were hanged while the real murderer walked free and may even have killed again. Finally in 1998 Canada fully abolished hanging.
The author describes a few grisly hangings gone wrong which would seem to add credence to calls to abolish this form of punishment. The book is objectively written and does not seem to lean in favor or against the practice. In fact the author ends by asking the question, "What's your verdict?"
January 29, 2020
A good read that made me both feel sorry for the victims and their murderers at the same time - not an easy feat. While the book gets a little repetitive at times and the order of the chapters wasn't always the one I had expected, I still came out knowing more and feeling more. For me the book only consolidated my opinion that capital punishment is not something a nation should endorse. It's easy to get angry at the violence that ended a human life, but would you really be able to apply the punishment yourself and still feel "clean"? Moreover, if you do justify the act of killing under the protection of the state, are you confident you'd spot an innocent person when they end up at the wrong end of the rope?
November 27, 2017
I had the pleasure of doing talks/readings with Lorna and was captivated by her fascinating talks about this book. I immediately dove into the text and the book and found it difficult to resurface. This is a thorough and fascinating look at the history of hanging within Canada. It not only delves into the people behind the historic details, but it also allows for a look at the ongoing back and forth debates via different time periods of the concept of Capital Punishment. A great book by a wonderful author.
August 11, 2017
This is not a cheerful book. So many murderers and adulterers fill its pages that it can be a bit disheartening and, by the end, slightly numbing. However, the author's deft reporting of criminal cases and controversial verdicts are quite interesting and provide a concise summary of Canada's judicial system and its use of capital punishment. Standout chapters provide fascinating and grisly details about the hangman profession and executions gone wrong.
June 8, 2019
U do not believe in capital punishment and reading this book only cements my view.
Ms. Poplak writes a comprehensive history of capital punishment in Canada. She gives details of the cases that went wrong and those that went right. She also profiles some of the hangmen who performed the deed.
This book was really well written and an excellent read for anyone with an interest in Canadian history.
Ms. Poplak writes a comprehensive history of capital punishment in Canada. She gives details of the cases that went wrong and those that went right. She also profiles some of the hangmen who performed the deed.
This book was really well written and an excellent read for anyone with an interest in Canadian history.
September 11, 2017
It was okay. I read it but found it hard to get through. It did not capture my interest as much as I thought it would.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
March 4, 2018
A history of the death penalty in Canada told through a look at notable cases and the relevance of the arguments for and against hanging in modern society. Clearly written with a touch of humour, this book is very relevant in today's conservative climate.
August 3, 2018
Lacked a sense of structure, but had some entertaining anecdotes.
November 28, 2019
This book seemed disjointed and lacked a unifying thread. It was poorly edited and difficult to follow threads and themes throughout.
November 9, 2020
Lorna Poplak ends the book with a direct question - 'are you for or against the death penalty?'.
The book doesn't leave the reader with a different answer than no. It's the way the author writes about the hangings - the incompetency of hangmen, ineffective criminal justice system, and not enough financial resources for a well-led trial.
The Canadian and British examples of hangings as a death penalty are absolutely devastating and shocking. Being accused of brutal murder without sufficient evidence and then dying for 7 minutes from hanging - how cruel and barbaric does it sound. There is something so wrong with our society. Even though the book focuses on the events from the 20th century, people are still massively crowding on a day of execution of a murderer or a rapists. I watched a documentary where people were even selling t-shirts and other stuff in front of the prison to celebrate the execution day. Absolute madness
Death penalty is not a solution and a sentence for life isn't either without professional help for the victims and the defendants. An absolute reform of the criminal justice system is needed nonetheless, both in Canada and the UK
The book doesn't leave the reader with a different answer than no. It's the way the author writes about the hangings - the incompetency of hangmen, ineffective criminal justice system, and not enough financial resources for a well-led trial.
The Canadian and British examples of hangings as a death penalty are absolutely devastating and shocking. Being accused of brutal murder without sufficient evidence and then dying for 7 minutes from hanging - how cruel and barbaric does it sound. There is something so wrong with our society. Even though the book focuses on the events from the 20th century, people are still massively crowding on a day of execution of a murderer or a rapists. I watched a documentary where people were even selling t-shirts and other stuff in front of the prison to celebrate the execution day. Absolute madness
Death penalty is not a solution and a sentence for life isn't either without professional help for the victims and the defendants. An absolute reform of the criminal justice system is needed nonetheless, both in Canada and the UK
July 11, 2023
Drop Dead is an intriguing read about crime and capital punishment in Canada from Confederation to the last hangings in 1962, and abolishment in 1976.
And more. It's about the people. The ones that got away and the ones that didn't. The ones that were innocent. The victims. The hangmen. The lawyers who defended the accused killers. Including one young lawyer whose defense failed; the accused was hanged, and the real murderer confessed 6 months later.... and who that lawyer became in later life, and what he did about it.
A morbid subject? Yes. And a fascinating one. Lorna Poplak has given us a well-researched, well-written trip through the history of capital punishment in Canada.
And more. It's about the people. The ones that got away and the ones that didn't. The ones that were innocent. The victims. The hangmen. The lawyers who defended the accused killers. Including one young lawyer whose defense failed; the accused was hanged, and the real murderer confessed 6 months later.... and who that lawyer became in later life, and what he did about it.
A morbid subject? Yes. And a fascinating one. Lorna Poplak has given us a well-researched, well-written trip through the history of capital punishment in Canada.
September 15, 2019
I stumbled upon this title / novel whilst reading Adam Bunch's novel "The Toronto Book of the Dead." What an incredible historical insight into hangings in Canada and the player's involved in the whole process. Quite an eye opener. This book goes into significant hangings from the 1800s to the last hangings to occur in Canada.
April 23, 2020
I rated this three stars not because the writing was bad (it was really good) but because I just got bored towards the end. This book is about capital punishment in Canada, and it was pretty interesting, I learned some stuff. Would I recommend it? I would, if you’re into informational books. I read a chapter everyday, because I don’t think I could read this book all the time.
Want to Read
September 26, 2017Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
July 10, 2018
If you want an unusual treat, give yourself the pleasure of reading this book, Drop Dead. A Horrible History of Hanging in Canada. Lorna Poplak, the author, is a scrupulous researcher, and brings to her writing enormous intelligence and freshness. In addition, her wry, subtle humor peppers the pages, and you will read hungrily, often with a smile, looking to uncover more about the dark and fascinating subjects she explores.
In her chapter, The Science and Art of Hanging, for example, Ms. Poplak suggests slyly: there was another crucial factor required to ensure a decent hanging: experience. You will meet women who were supposed to be hanged, but who escaped the noose, learn of miscarriages of justice, and meet many Hangmen with wildly different personalities.
Extraordinary stories about murderers, adulterers, miscarriages of justice, hangings sometimes averted, will have you turning eager pages.
The chapter I found most compelling was the one about Steven Truscott. Steven Truscott was just 14 when he was found guilty of the rape and murder of Lynn Harper. He was sentenced to death by hanging. Lorna Poplak’s thorough review of the facts, and of Isabel LeBourdais’ book The Trial of Steven Truscott made for fascinating and heartbreaking reading. I was grateful to learn that Truscott, who maintained his innocence from the beginning, finally had his name cleared, after forty-eight years.
This book is wonderfully worth reading and in addition I learned much about Canadian history.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews