Chain Gang All Stars National Book Award Finalist Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

"Chain-Gang All-Stars" delves into the dystopian world of the Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE), where prisoners compete in death matches for the chance to win their freedom. Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" Stacker, teammates and lovers, are the stars of the Chain-Gang All-Stars, captivating audiences with their performances.

As Thurwar nears her potential freedom, she grapples with the moral implications of the brutal games and seeks to preserve the humanity of her fellow Links. However, the corporate owners of CAPE are determined to maintain the status quo, posing significant obstacles to Thurwar's efforts.

Through a kaleidoscopic narrative, the novel explores various perspectives, from the Links in the field to the protestors outside the arena, shedding light on the systemic issues of racism, capitalism, and mass incarceration plaguing the American prison system. "Chain-Gang All-Stars" offers a searing critique of the intersection of power, profit, and human rights, presenting a thought-provoking examination of the true meaning of freedom in contemporary society.