I read Hugo Wilcken's The Execution perhaps ten years ago, most likely on the basis of a review, and I remember being transfixed by the concise writing and clean, tight structure of this suspenseful story of transgression, death, guilt and redemption. I had thought about this novel often over the years, even revisiting scenes in my mind. But when I picked it up to read it again, I was prepared to be disappointed because time has a way of exaggerating the virtues of books we admire and how could this one possibly live up to such inflated expectations? Happily, that is not the case. Wilcken's first novel remains a riveting reading experience, a thoroughly engrossing and fascinating rumination on mortality, fidelity and guilt. Matthew Bourne, as some commentators have pointed out, is not a likable character. Self-involved and manipulative, he views his own sexual escapades as meaningless, yet when he discovers that his partner Marianne is having an affair, he suppresses his anger and instead becomes coldly fascinated with how Marianne and her lover conduct their liaison and arrange their meetings. He works for a human rights organization, and while keeping an eye on Marianne, the high-profile case of which he is in charge--of a man in prison in Africa unjustly facing execution--founders. When he finally brings himself to confront Marianne's lover, the result is tragic and messy. In the last chapters Bourne struggles with his guilt as he senses the police closing in, finally attaining a kind of peace only at the very end. The Execution leaves an indelible impression, not so much because we care what happens to Bourne--because we don't--but because of the author's utterly convincing portrait of a killer twisted by guilt. Highly recommended. ( )

If I tell you anything about The Execution I risk giving something away. Even saying that may have spoiled the book. Should you read the book after reading this you're going to be expecting something you would not have been expecting if you'd read the book without any preconceptions. Like I did.

So how can I let you know if this book might be something you'd like without given anything away?

If you liked Hitchcock's Psycho or Strangers on a Train, you'll probably like The Execution. Not afraid of a little gore, willing to take a close look at human nature's darker side? Enjoy a tightly plotted novel but longing for fully developed characters with psychological depth? Want to keep the pages turning? Not afriad of falling for the wrong McGuffin? Enjoy a good police procedural but ever wondered what it would be like to be on the recieving end of good police work? The Execution might be the book for you.

Looking for thrilling chases and gunfights? Want a book with a clear dividing line between who's good and who's bad with no moral ambiquity? Need something you can enjoy with your brain turned off or maybe just switched to sleep mode? Want an ending with everything tied up in a neat bow like an episode of Law and Order? Read something else. The Execution is probably not for you.

As for me, I'll be keeping an eye out for more from Hugo Wilcken ( )

omg! I pulled this out of the shelves to read because we had a storm and tv with the internet is off. And I never thought it is this much of a page turner.

It's about a life of Matthew Bourne, a human right activist who is trying to save the life of Jarawa. In the midst of trying to do this, his own life is falling apart. He has live-in artist partner with a daughter, and on the side a mistress of his own. He found out his partner is sleeping with somebody else.

it was kind of annoying at firts because it took me a few chapters to realized what's exactly is going on. but it's a good past time reading. some plot really do pull you into the book itself. ( )