Sentence

More about the book

This memoir recounts a decade in prison by a well-educated young addict known as the "Apologetic Bandit." After graduating from NYU in 2003, Daniel Genis entered the publishing world, but his serious heroin addiction led him to debt and crime. Arrested for knifepoint robberies, he gained notoriety for apologizing to his victims during the crimes. Sentenced to twelve years (ten with good behavior), he survived by reading 1,046 books, weightlifting, engaging in philosophical discussions, and navigating daily violence. The memoir is a striking account, infused with intelligence, wit, empathy, and remarkable style. Genis, the son of a renowned Soviet émigré writer, grew up surrounded by influential figures like Mikhail Baryshnikov and Andrei Sakharov. The education and culture valued by his family became his lifeline in prison. He vividly details life in the New York penal system, from Rikers Island to various upstate institutions, exploring the social strata of gangs, the prison "court" system, the black market for drugs and goods, and the challenges of solitary confinement, all while striving to maintain his relationship with his newly married wife.