The Fact of a Body: A Murder and a Memoir
Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich
2017, 326 pages
Nonfiction
The Fact of a Body, Alexandria Marzano-Lesnevich’s full-length debut, is a blended nonfiction narrative that combines the best of two genres: true crime and memoir.
In it, Marzano-Lesnevich explores the trial of Ricky Langley, imprisoned and on death row for a murder committed in 1992. The author becomes involved with Langley’s case as a law intern, and must decide whether he deserves to remain on death row or whether his life should be spared. Marzano-Lesnevich deftly explores the sensitive and controversial issues surrounding the death penalty in this country, while delving into Langley’s difficult past. Throughout, she attempts to navigate the law’s thorny definition of “blame,” and to decide how much any of us are responsible for the circumstances we are born into.
Alongside Langley’s story, the author explores her own family’s history with abuse, hardship and silence. Her family’s story closely resembles that of Langley’s, and mirrors its trajectory throughout the book. Beautifully written and sensitively told, The Fact of a Body ultimately explores the stories we tell ourselves about who and what we are, and how easily they can be changed.
Juliana GalloConcord Public Library
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