The Green Mile

"The Green Mile" is a novel by Stephen King that was first published in 1996. It is a fictional story set in the 1930s, about a death row supervisor named Paul Edgecombe and his experiences overseeing the executions of prisoners at Cold Mountain Penitentiary.

The story begins when a new prisoner, John Coffey, is brought to the penitentiary. Coffey is a massive, black man who has been convicted of raping and murdering two young girls. However, Edgecombe begins to suspect that Coffey may be innocent, as he exhibits supernatural abilities, including the power to heal people and bring animals back to life.

As Edgecombe and his team prepare for Coffey's execution, they encounter a number of obstacles, including a sadistic fellow guard and a corrupt warden. Along the way, Edgecombe learns about the prisoners on death row, their crimes, and their motivations, while struggling with his own personal demons.

Ultimately, Coffey is executed, but not before revealing that he did not commit the crimes he was accused of. Edgecombe is left to ponder the implications of Coffey's innocence and the impact of the death penalty on society as a whole.

The novel explores themes of justice, racism, power, and the human capacity for cruelty and compassion. It was adapted into a successful film in 1999, starring Tom Hanks as Paul Edgecombe.

Overall, "The Green Mile" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that delves into the complexities of the criminal justice system and the human condition.