Life After Death

Publisher's Summary

The definitive memoir by Damien Echols of the "West Memphis Three", who was falsely convicted of committing three murders. Hear this unforgettable account of his 18 years on death row.

©2012 Damien Echols (P)2012 Penguin Audio

A Living Poem

When I read Law & Disorder by John Douglas, I became interested in the West Memphis 3 and watched the Paradise Lost documentaries. What a treat to learn that Damien Echols had just published his memoir. I immediately grabbed the Audible edition, which has Damien reading his own words. It would be difficult to approach this book without feeling compassion for what Echols has been through, but if I thought that the reaction to this book was predicated on how people felt about the case, I was wrong. It's gotten high praise and reviews and for good reason. This story is beyond amazing. Not only is Damien's tale of life behind bars riveting, but it's well written. Poetic and full of insight. He's an elegant writer with spare prose that's reflective of his approach to life. I avoid mainstream memoirs which unabashedly play on the heartstrings--they are common and dull. This is nothing like that. I was elevated and transformed by Damien's experience, told in his own words. It made me love my own life and appreciate all life a little bit more. Life After Death is a living poem. I could not stop listening. Insight after insight pours from the soul of this wrongly convicted man. Impossible not to savor, like a living poem. Thank you Damien for this wonderful gift.

28 of 28 people found this review helpful

Heartbreaking and inspiring.

I have followed the case of Damian Echols, Jason Baldwin, and Jesse Miskelley since 1996, when the documentary Paradise Lost came out. This memoir breaks my heart, as I listen to an innocent man go through the tortures of prison and death row- and before that of poverty and community ignorance. Through it all, Mr. Echols maintains poise and dignity. Listening to the story in Echols' own voice brought home the emotion and loss of the tragedy.

I personally was glad that there was little or no mention of the gruesome details of the murders and the new suspect arising from DNA tests, all of which is available in the many documentaries about the case and the websites supporting the West Memphis Three. This narrative is the story of Mr. Echols' life so far, which shines a bright light onto the inhuman conditions that we allow to exist in our prisons. A truly excellent memoir, which breaks your heart over and over again.

23 of 24 people found this review helpful

A compelling story-worthwhile listen.

Prior to reading this book, I had no knowledge of the tragic murders in West Memphis. I was drawn into this incredibly well-written book, by Damien Echol's natural ability to tell a story. I was drawn to the person he was and the person he grew to be during his years in prison. Since reading this book I have watched all of the HBO documentaries that portray how easy it is for justice to be miscarried, when media, fear, and ignorance are in the mix. What I found most fascinating and refreshing about this book is the fact that Damien Echols did not allow himself to be swallowed by fear and self-pity at the prospect of being executed for a crime he did not commit. He wrote a book that told a story about life on death row-the lessons that he learned as he came of age behind bars.

14 of 15 people found this review helpful

hard to put down

What made the experience of listening to Life After Death the most enjoyable?

Points of light outshining seemingly overwhelming darkness

Who was your favorite character and why?

Damien ... courage ... perseverance ... truth

Which scene was your favorite?

Epilogue.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes

Any additional comments?

Author's narration ... excellent!

13 of 14 people found this review helpful

Extraordinary Story

Would you listen to Life After Death again? Why?

Yes. I've followed Damien Echols's story for many years; finally hearing what it was like for him in his own voice was a humbling and amazing experience.

What does Damien Echols bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Damien Echols has a very distinct accent and manner of speech. Getting to hear him read his own words made the story all the more real and moving.

Any additional comments?

Damien's story is an amazing one. He is completely open in this book and completely lets the readers into his life in a very brave way. I found myself laughing and smiling as I listened to the book and even tearing up at points. No matter if you have heard of his story before or not, this book would be well worth a listen.

4 of 4 people found this review helpful

Like spending time with an old friend

Having seen the 3 Paradise Lost documentaries, and West of Memphis, I was eager to hear from Damien Echols himself.
Needless to say, his story gives an insight into the corruption, injustice and barbarity that exists in the American "justice" system, and that confirms what we all really suspect, but in terms that I've never.....felt, in such a way before. Echols is just as intelligent, soulful and true as he seems in the documentaries, and there's something about his articulate southern drawl that soothes and is without a hint of pretension. He is indeed who he says he is. He speaks of things anyone with a childhood, a sense of nostalgia, of despair, and love and friendship, can relate to. Walking along the riverside listening to Damien, I feel like i'm almost in conversation with him. And if you're anything like me, I suspect you'll feel the same.
I remember in one of the documentaries, him saying he always knew he'd be famous. I think he would have had these tragic events not fallen upon him. He's just one of those people who was destined to make an impact on the world, one way or another.

I think some people will recognize this, and some will not. There's a difference between those two types of people.

I loved this audio book. Of course, watch the documentaries first.

I wish him and his wonderful wife the best.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Insightful, Inspiring and Totally Engrossing!

What an intelligent and thoughtful man Damien Echols is. His story at times made me weep, but ultimately it was his triumph of will and spirit that dazzled me. I would be honored to have someone like Damien in my life. Thank you for sharing your life so openly. Nothing but the utmost respect to you, Laurie and everyone who believed in your innocence. Happy life to you and yours Damien!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

I loved every second of this story!

This was beautifully written. A gut wrenching story of personal triumph over the evilness of this world. Narration by Damien was magical!

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

best audio book I've ever listened to. Lyrical.

Would you listen to Life After Death again? Why?

Yes. The inspiration that Damien Echols gives is heartbreakingly beautiful and powerful. His reading/narrating of this book is the best I've heard.

What did you like best about this story?

His passion and lyrical way of describing what could have only been hell for him.

What about Damien Echols’s performance did you like?

As I mentioned, I believe his performance is easily the best I've ever heard on audible. Hire him!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes.

Any additional comments?

I've followed this story for years. I've been moved to tears each and every time I hear more of what was endured. But this is a story that needs to be heard. Screamed from the rooftops even. Justice was not done here. These men were robbed.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Life Changing!

What made the experience of listening to Life After Death the most enjoyable?

The in depth description of poverty and coming of age in a world so different than my own.The idea of how a person overcomes life in prison and finds a way to cope. And I loved that Damien read his own words...powerful!

What was one of the most memorable moments of Life After Death?

The fact that Damien found a way to stay sane in an insane circumstance.

Which scene was your favorite?

Scene after scene of difficulty for Damian proves that I can hold onto hope in my reality.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Already done.

Any additional comments?

This book is a must read! I think all professors dealing with social issues should require everyone to read this. A real eye opener of poverty, the prison system, the justice system, religion and spirituality.

4 of 5 people found this review helpful

Emotionally charged volt of literary genius !!!

It has ruined audible for me because I will never find a gem like this again. It was a magical experience like almost listening to the wind whisper spells in your ear. The emotions were felt not merely listened to . With moments of light, love, darkness and despair this book will not leave me as it s echo resignatated deep within my soul. Damien Echoll's is the only man to author and narrate such a mesmerizing piece of literary art.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Inspirational

Watch Paradise Lost and West of Memphis before you read this book. You will then understand how a somewhat geeky 18 year old fought a fight, not just against the Arkansas criminal justice system but himself and won the latter and continues with the former. Hard to comprehend how any human can survive such a travesty of justice and brutality that's off the scale to. He is the top of my I'd like to have a coffee with list. I was disappointed when the Epilogue ended.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

recommend absolutely!

'had a reasonable understanding of the WM3 history, route & scenario & in this I found opportunity to reflect some more on the meaning of all of it from Damien's perspective. 'excellent narration.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Heart breaking, thought provoking, terrifying

I have followed the case of the West Memphis 3 for years, to hear what this man went through, and how a corrupt justice system would have put him to death is awful. his words are heart breaking, real and make you realise how lucky you really are

Absolutely beautifully written, Damien is a very talented writer. The mental strength that he showed through everything is truly amazing.

Fantastic

I have read, listened to and watched nearly everything relating to this case. This is by far the best account from any source I have heard. Damien is a fantastic writer and his narration is beautiful. A must listen.