Who is Joel Backman? Why is he in prison? Why is Backman being forced to live in solitary confinement? Why is Backman's cell too cold? Why is Backman restricted from using the prison library? What is the goal of these measures? Was it necessary? What reasons might Backman have for remaining in prison? Why did Backman choose prison in the first place?

Why is Backman offered a pardon? Who pushed for this pardon? For what reason? Who gave the pardon? How did this person have the power to offer the pardon? How does the pardon change Backman's life? Is this a good or bad thing? What does Teddy Maynard have to do with all this? What is Maynard's job? Why is he eventually fired? What does this have to do with Backman?

Who is Neal Backman? What happened to change his ambitious look at...