Forty to Life by Dave Jackson Published by: Bethany House Publishers (2007) 331 pages Rating: 8/10 Buy it Now:

Ray Slewinski, before turning fifteen years old, has experienced two things he never expected to experience: murdering another human being, and being sent to jail for that murder. Facing forty years in Chicago's prison system, Ray believes his life is over. Day-to-day survival becomes his only focus. Hoping his gang connections will help protect him, Ray does what he must. In short order, he is transferred to an adult prison, where he has to start all over again. Then suddenly, from the last place he expected it, comes the last thing he ever expected to receive - forgiveness.

Dave Jackson portrays a stark and exceptionally realistic example of prison life in America. From the intricacies of the legal system (including the factor of judges facing re-election) to the minutia of gang-related initiations, every detail is exacting and critical. It's easily the most realistic portrayal I've read in years.

In the midst of this, we're led along by Ray Slewinski. While it's easy to despise him for his weakness and his atrocious action in the opening chapters, it's also amazingly easy to identify with him. In a surprisingly short number of pages, we understand exactly how a teenage boy could be driven to a senseless murder. Naive, with no strong familial guidance, Ray was desperate to prove himself to the only group that gave him a sense of identity - his gang.

And it's that same gang that Ray turns to in prison, hoping for protection against the myriad hazards that haunt the hallways of the penal institutions. Can anyone survive without such protection?

The issue of forgiveness is a powerful theme running throughout the story. And Jackson makes an excellent distinction between being forgiven for a crime and facing the consequences for a crime. Being forgiven does not mean an immediate escape from consequences. Like David in the Old Testament, Ray still has to face the real-life repercussions for what he has done. But also like David, Ray experiences the unbelievable mercies of God.

While it took me a little while to fully get into this novel, once I did so, I was rewarded with a powerful experience. Recommended.