Preface Summary and Analysis

In his Preface, Damien Echols introduces Saint Raymond Nonnatus, the patron saint of those who have been falsely accused. Damien believes that he has a special place in Nonnatus' heart as he is one who has been falsely accused. He plans to leave chocolate and roses at the feet of all the statues of this saint that he can find if he holds up his end of the bargain and helps Damien get his record expunged. Damien adds his spark of humor to the story as he teases his reader for not knowing that saints like chocolate. Damien's other patron saints include Saint Dismass, who is the patron saint of prisoners, and Saint Jude, the patron saint of desperate situations. Since he is on Death Row for something he did not do, Damien considers his situation to be pretty desperate.

Damien...