Seventy Times Seven

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This thought-provoking work of literary journalism explores a shocking crime and its aftermath. In 1985, a black teenager in Gary, Indiana, kills an elderly white woman during a robbery. The case captivates the state, leading to the fifteen-year-old killer, Paula Cooper, being sentenced to death, with Indiana's minimum age for the death penalty set at ten. The narrative unfolds through a diverse cast of characters: a female public defender, two Italian journalists, a Franciscan friar connected to the Pope, and the victim's grandson, who seeks to save Paula's life. As Paula awaits her fate on death row, the case ignites a debate that extends beyond legal circles, raising profound questions about the purpose of criminal justice and the harshest penalties. It challenges readers to consider the nature of forgiveness—whether it is desperation or bravery—and the depths of human empathy. While beginning with a murder and a death sentence, the story ultimately centers on the will to live, survive, and change against overwhelming odds. Through meticulous research and intimate storytelling, it brings to life a haunting chapter in the history of the criminal justice system.