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Right from Wrong: The inspiration for the Broadway show ‘Punch’
Soon to be a major new stage work 'Punch' by James Graham, Sat 4 – Sat 25 May Nottingham Playhouse‘A much-needed burst of light in the dark meadow of time.’ Lemn Sissay
‘So admirable and beautifully done. It contains that rare thing in story about tragedy – genuine hope.’ James Graham
In 2011 Jacob Dunne threw a single punch that ended another man’s life. Sentenced to prison for manslaughter, he served fourteen months of a custodial sentence. On his release, he found himself homeless, unemployed and struggling to find a sense of purpose. But with the help of others, and with the encouragement of his victim’s parents, he managed to get his life back on track.
Right From Wrong follows the course of Jacob’s life, beginning on a council estate in Nottingham. Beset by problems at home and at school, Jacob drifted into drug-related gang culture, drinking heavily and fighting for fun before a fateful night changed the course of his life. Unflinching in its account of Jacob’s guilt and shame, this book will reveal how Jacob used the experience to turn things around. He has been actively involved with Restorative Justice programmes including the Forgiveness Project, has reconciled with those he has hurt, has earned a first-class degree in Criminology and become a husband and father.
Jacob’s story is in some ways unique, but it is also reflective of the experiences of young working-class men and boys across the country. By reflecting on his story, he hopes he might help people to avoid the kind of mistakes he made. In the process he points to the societal reforms needed in order to avoid an endless cycle of criminality and hopelessness.
Right From Wrong is a deeply humane and honest book, and an unflinching look at men’s mental health and emotions at a time when our awareness of these things is of crucial importance.
‘So admirable and beautifully done. It contains that rare thing in story about tragedy – genuine hope.’ James Graham
In 2011 Jacob Dunne threw a single punch that ended another man’s life. Sentenced to prison for manslaughter, he served fourteen months of a custodial sentence. On his release, he found himself homeless, unemployed and struggling to find a sense of purpose. But with the help of others, and with the encouragement of his victim’s parents, he managed to get his life back on track.
Right From Wrong follows the course of Jacob’s life, beginning on a council estate in Nottingham. Beset by problems at home and at school, Jacob drifted into drug-related gang culture, drinking heavily and fighting for fun before a fateful night changed the course of his life. Unflinching in its account of Jacob’s guilt and shame, this book will reveal how Jacob used the experience to turn things around. He has been actively involved with Restorative Justice programmes including the Forgiveness Project, has reconciled with those he has hurt, has earned a first-class degree in Criminology and become a husband and father.
Jacob’s story is in some ways unique, but it is also reflective of the experiences of young working-class men and boys across the country. By reflecting on his story, he hopes he might help people to avoid the kind of mistakes he made. In the process he points to the societal reforms needed in order to avoid an endless cycle of criminality and hopelessness.
Right From Wrong is a deeply humane and honest book, and an unflinching look at men’s mental health and emotions at a time when our awareness of these things is of crucial importance.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2022
34 people are currently reading
11 people want to read
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 28, 2025
I'm sure the author is a good guy but he is no writer. And his editing team have not served him well. There are so many awkward phrases and a consistently lumpy, maladroit style that it's a tough read. It's a ramble too with so much repetition and unfocused thoughts.
The worst of it for me is that the man who lost his life should be at the centre of this narrative but he disappears into the ether while the author tells us proudly how much he feels he's achieved, A big dose of humility would be very welcome.
This may sound petty but these were my honest thoughts while struggling through the book. A good editor could have crafted a better work; I wonder why that didn't happen?
Very flawed but a worthy book from a worthy writer.
The worst of it for me is that the man who lost his life should be at the centre of this narrative but he disappears into the ether while the author tells us proudly how much he feels he's achieved, A big dose of humility would be very welcome.
This may sound petty but these were my honest thoughts while struggling through the book. A good editor could have crafted a better work; I wonder why that didn't happen?
Very flawed but a worthy book from a worthy writer.
Displaying 1 of 1 review