The seeds of the Mark Bell transformation seems to be the efforts of an gentleman *without* formal Corrections training. This gentleman was charged with her incarceration just after her conviction. Later Mary was transfered from his custody to an adult prison, where remarkably her "morality" suffered, but survived.
It makes one wonder about the wisdom of the "Try as an adult" laws that are becoming popular in the United States.
I would strongly recommend that the reader, read Ms. Serenys previous book on the Mary Bell Murders (if you can find it) *before* reading this book. Failing that, internet has several good sites on the Murder and Trial.
It is written by Gitta Sereny from a very journalistic point of view. Sereny was a journalist appointed to Mary Bell's case from the very start of that case and she has followed Mary's story throughout the years. This book is written based on interviews with Mary as an adult - after she came out of jail, but Sereny is very fact-based. It is not just opinions and "excuses" of Mary that we read in this book. In fact, many a times, Sereny states that she does not believe some things Mary says, so Sereny goes and interviews everyone related to particular statements Mary makes about certain periods of her life to get to the TRUTH -- Mary's jail housemates, relatives, jail security persons, etc etc. So we don't just get Mary's story....
You read about Mary from the start of her lie to her life at present. A fascinating "can't put the book down" reading which teaches you that kids develop their mental abilities at a very young age.
Every social worker and parent should read this.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
-Alina Uzilov / 2003