What does it mean to be truly forgiven?
That haunting question lies at the heart of “Redemption”, a powerful and deeply personal novel by Myself. This isn’t just a work of fiction—it’s a spiritual journey drawn from the author’s real-life experiences on death row. What unfolds is a raw and emotionally immersive exploration of guilt, grace, and the search for peace in the shadow of the ultimate sentence.
The Story
At its core, “Redemption” is a novel of spiritual and emotional depth. It follows Ray Franklyn, an aging former inmate who has found faith after a life of violence. He returns—voluntarily—to the prison that once held him on death row. His mission? To counsel a young man named Chuck Roberson, condemned for a brutal double murder and now awaiting execution.
What begins as a reluctant conversation between strangers evolves into a soul-searching relationship built on empathy, shared pain, and unflinching honesty. Through intimate, often difficult conversations, Ray tries to guide Chuck toward a peace that still eludes even himself.
Why This Story Matters
This book works because it doesn’t try to sanitize anything. The crimes aren’t brushed aside. The pain isn’t glossed over. Instead, it tackles the hardest questions:
* Can a murderer be redeemed?
* Is grace available to everyone—even the most broken among us?
* Can a man ever truly forgive himself?
These aren’t easy questions, and *Redemption* doesn’t offer easy answers. Instead, it gives us Ray—scarred, wise, and painfully human—whose strength lies not in his perfection, but in his willingness to keep trying.
Standout Themes
*Faith, with All Its Messiness: This is not the story of a saint preaching from a pulpit. Ray doubts. He wrestles. His conversations with Chuck about God, grace, and the Bible are raw and relatable. This book doesn’t present faith as a magic solution, but as a lifelong process of struggle, acceptance, and quiet transformation.
*The Cyclical Nature of Pain and Purpose: Ray’s past didn’t just destroy—it shaped him into someone uniquely able to reach Chuck. His suffering becomes the tool of his service. That ironic, bittersweet dynamic gives the story a powerful emotional resonance.
*The Tension Between Human Systems and Divine Grace: The book critiques the prison system and religious institutions not with bitterness, but with realism. While these human structures often fail, the story shows God’s grace as a constant—quiet, patient, and accessible even behind the thickest walls.
Characters That Stay With You
*Ray Franklyn is unforgettable. He’s not your typical spiritual guide. He’s a former killer with a quiet voice and a heavy past. His redemption is ongoing, not finished—and that makes him profoundly real.
*Chuck Roberson, angry and cynical at first, evolves into a portrait of self-loathing and ultimately, spiritual courage. His final, stumbling prayer is one of the most emotionally moving scenes in the book.
*Ruby Martin, Ray’s mother, stands as the anchor of the story’s emotional and spiritual grounding. While her unwavering faith sometimes veers into saintly territory, she serves as a vital reminder that sometimes the strongest faith is forged in fire.
A Reading Experience That Lingers
From the first page, you’re pulled into Ray’s weary voice. There’s a deep, aching realism in every line. You’ll feel sorrow, hope, tension, and eventually, awe.
Some of the book’s most powerful moments include:
* Ray’s return to the prison, trembling but determined.
* Chuck’s bone-chilling confession—and his brokenness beneath it.
* The unexpected influence of a “Robert A. Heinlein” novel on Ray’s spiritual awakening.
* The final phone call, setting Ray on yet another mission. A perfect, bittersweet end.
Final Thoughts: A Lifelong Journey
The climax of the novel—Chuck’s last-minute prayer—is deeply earned. It’s messy, real, and powerful. And yet, the story doesn’t end with his death. Instead, we’re reminded that Ray’s work continues. That redemption isn’t a one-time event. It’s a lifelong calling.
In the words of Ray himself:
“Oh, so this is the way it’s going to be.”
That sigh of weary acceptance carries the weight of the whole journey. The work of compassion, is never done.
Who Should Read This Book?
* Adults who appreciate realistic Christian fiction rooted in grace and struggle
* Readers who value stories of redemption, especially set within harsh realities
* Fans of *The Green Mile*, *Dead Man Walking*, or *The Shack*
* Anyone wrestling with guilt, forgiveness, or faith.
A Final Note from the Author
Redemption is based in part on my real-life experience. While the story of Chuck is fictional, Ray Franklyn’s pain, journey, and hope are drawn from a life that once sat behind bars. This isn’t a tale written to preach—it’s one written to heal.
Where to Get the Book
Redemption is available on Smashwords, Amazon, and other major platforms.
https://books2read.com/Raymond-Franklin
Thank you for reading.
If “Redemption” touched your heart, please consider leaving a review. Your words help others find this story—and they help me continue this mission.
By Raymond Franklin