Description
Book SynopsisNow a major new stage work ''Punch'' by James Graham, at London''s Young Vic theatre 1 March to 12 April 2025????? The Times????? What''s On Stage???? Guardian???? Telegraph???? Financial Times???? The StageIn 2011 Jacob Dunne threw a single punch that ended another man's life. Sentenced to prison for manslaughter, he served fourteen months of a custodial sentence. On his release, he found himself homeless, unemployed and struggling to find a sense of purpose. But with the help of others, and with the encouragement of his victim's parents, he managed to get his life back on track.Right From Wrong follows the course of Jacob's life, beginning on a council estate in Nottingham. Beset by problems at home and at school, Jacob drifted into drug-related gang culture, drinking heavily and fighting for fun before a fateful night changed the course of his life. Unflinching in its account of Jacob's guilt and shame, this book will reveal how Jacob used the experience to turn things around. He ha
Trade Review‘Part mea culpa, part love letter to his mother, and part manifesto on how to help children from difficult backgrounds to avoid the lifestyle he led. At its heart is the theme of restorative justice.’ The Guardian
‘Engaging… Dunne argues cogently, coherently and from experience that to have choices in life you also have to have chances.’ The Observer, Book of the Day
‘A split second becomes a defining moment for two families and the end of a man’s life. A much-needed burst of light in the dark meadow of time.’ Lemn Sissay, author of My Name is Why
‘A moving and unflinching account of an extraordinary journey. Jacob's astonishing bravery in looking inwards, as well as out towards society and its criminal justice system, is so admirable and beautifully done. It contains that rare thing in story about tragedy – genuine hope.’ James Graham, playwright
‘Captivating and insightful… surprisingly full of hope.’ Nazir Afzal, author of The Prosecutor: One Man’s Pursuit of Justice for the Voiceless
‘A compelling case for restorative justice.’ The Telegraph
‘This powerful and unflinching memoir is essential reading for anyone who wants to understand why hurt people hurt people. A must-read for anyone working in the criminal justice system.’ Marina Cantacuzino, founder of The Forgiveness Project
Praise for The Punch, the BBC podcast that inspired the book:
‘A devastating listen …. The Punch made you interrogate your idea of shame, and forgiveness.’ Miranda Sawyer, The Guardian
‘Made me cry all day … You feel the beautiful stark pallor of words like forgiveness, and love. Jacob’s self-doubt is powerful too.’ The New Statesman
‘Powerful … exquisite. … A gentle, compelling case for restorative justice’ The Telegraph
‘Showed us how to look harder at ourselves. And to understand why.’ The Times
