If you like True Crime, then I recommend this book. It’s about a prisoner, who is fighting against the American prison system for their failings and corruption, danger, mistreatment, gangs and politics. It follows the advocation of Kevin over 10 years. Carla herself narrated this book. It is packed full of information, court room goings on, statements, witnesses, and everything and more that you would expect from a high class documentary. I loved this, and being able to get into the nitty gritty of it all.

The book has won many awards in all categories. And I highly recommend it, if this is your thing. Obviously it is associated with trigger warnings, but you can’t expect a Crimemoir to not have any. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op | Crimemoir Audio, the author and NetGalley for both an LRC and a DRC in return for an honest review

"The truth is rarely pure and never simple."
- Oscar Wilde

I really appreciated that Carla Conti narrated her own audiobook - it was extremely well written and clearly delivered, which made the story even more engaging. As a result, I will definitely be seeking out her other books.

One of the aspects I valued most was how Conti showed the personal consequences of being involved in a high-stakes case like Kevin Sanders’. She doesn’t just recount the legal events; she gives important background information that contextualises her decade-long involvement, showing how the case impacted everyone on the defence team. This approach provides a much more personal and rounded account than a traditional true crime book.

I understand that some reviewers have criticised the inclusion of political elements in the narrative, finding them tangential or unnecessary. However, I felt these sections added depth to the story, illustrating the type of relationships Carla had with Scott and others involved in the case. To me, these insights were intrinsic to the plot rather than distracting.

I requested a DRC as soon as I had finished the audio so that I could see in detail the 20 new photos, sketches and Kevin’s prison artwork. I found Kevin to be a gifted artist - the bird sketch featured on the book cover is exemplary. Although Carla’s website provides access to much of this extra material - including prison videos referenced in the book - the illustrations online are of a lesser quality and smaller, so I would advise viewing them either in the printed or digital versions of the book.

Chained Birds has won numerous awards, and it’s easy to see why. It provides a fascinating insight into the US prison system, but what sets it apart is its focus not just on the prisoner, but on how the case affected those involved in Kevin’s defence over ten years. This perspective gives the reader a more intimate understanding of the emotional and practical challenges faced by people on the inside of such a complex legal and social situation.

In summary, this is an outstanding and compelling true crime memoir that combines meticulous reporting, personal reflection and a vivid depiction of the consequences of prison life - both for inmates and for those drawn into their worlds.

#ChainedBirds #NetGalley