A Life Sentence is a book of intrigue, scandal, and jealousy, presenting the full spectrum of human nature and behavior. Each character of the novel represents a different aspect of human nature, with each one carrying their own "life sentence."
Overall, this is a novel about an English family and their relationship with the wider community. The tragic murder of Sydney Vane exposes secrets and problems within the family, showcasing both the positives and negatives. It is melodramatic in every way and will fulfill a reader's hunger for drama with its intermingling plots and intrigues.
The main focus of the novel is the trial of Andrew Westwood, who is accused of murdering Sydney Vane. Nobody had actually witnessed the crime, and Westwood maintains his innocence; however, the evidence against him seems damning. This is a study of the inclination of people to believe something if it suits their preconceived ideas and stories, disregarding facts and logic.
One of the settings of the novel is a courtroom, which is a perfect place to analyze typical human behavior. We see the human reactions to the life-changing verdicts that occur in a courtroom and observe how humans are naturally sympathetic.
