Olivia Juan

One of the things I enjoyed most about this novel is its refusal to make morality easy. Justin Kopechne isn’t a classic hero; he’s flawed, often difficult, but fiercely committed to his cause. That complexity made him relatable.

I thought the reformatory scenes were particularly strong because they showed the hope and frustration of trying to turn young lives around. What struck me most, though, was how the outside world intruded into Justin’s work. The cartel influence and the sheriff’s compromises were reminders that even good intentions can get crushed by systemic corruption.

On top of that, the domestic conflicts gave the story a layer of realism. It was hard to read Justin losing connection with his wife, but it rang true how often do we sacrifice personal relationships chasing something bigger? This book doesn’t hand out happy endings, but it does leave you with a deeper appreciation for those who fight for change even when the odds are stacked against them.