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Letters from Prison

From: Curie Youth Radio
Length: 00:04:07

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Gloria reads through her 21-year-old brother's letters from prison -- and finally replies. Read the full description.

Pen_small "Don't think I'm just saying any of this for you to bond me out. I'm serious about everything that I"m saying. I'm sorry for real. By the way, happy birthday." After Gloria's brother was jailed for attempted murder, he began to write her letters. She saved them, but never responded, until now. We hear excerpts from these letters from prison, and we hear the responses that Gloria's brother may never hear. Hearing Gloria's anger, defiance, and tears sheds light on the love and fury that remain long after the verdict is reached.

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Piece Description

"Don't think I'm just saying any of this for you to bond me out. I'm serious about everything that I"m saying. I'm sorry for real. By the way, happy birthday." After Gloria's brother was jailed for attempted murder, he began to write her letters. She saved them, but never responded, until now. We hear excerpts from these letters from prison, and we hear the responses that Gloria's brother may never hear. Hearing Gloria's anger, defiance, and tears sheds light on the love and fury that remain long after the verdict is reached.

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Review of Letters from Prison

I think this piece is great. The fact that we get to be in the middle of their conversation, or rather their argument. I think the way she sets up the piece is also really refreshing. The back story is essential but not distracting, in that it happens so quick and she introduces what the piece is going to do in the present time. "I'm sitting here looking...." And the reality of someone who is going through such hurt that they can't forgive yet is something that we don't hear that often. It's a complicated reaction to a complicated situation. But their relationship, though strained, isn't dead, and that is also totally expressed in the piece. Very inspiring radio in content and form.

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Review of Letters from Prison

Gloria Diaz has produced a stirring and eloquent story that captures the range of emotions experienced by families tangled in the corrections system.

Diaz takes a lot of risks here by boldly sharing her emotions. Listeners benefit when they hear raw expressions of her grief and anger at losing her brother for the duration of his ten year sentence.

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Review of Letters from Prison

Excellent narration Gloria. I really was into your story. Every moment I was waiting to hear your response to Julio. I was very sad after hearing the story and I almost shed a tear. I was a bit confused as to whether you were actually responding to Julio in writing and he was receiving it, or whether it was your personal response in the piece. What I really like in a piece is good sound. It would have been useful to use sounds for context as to where you were physically when you read these letters.

Gloria, just remember that people grow and change and that time heals all wounds. Good luck to you and your brother.

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