This book investigates the use, suffering, and resistance of torture in Timor-Leste and the effectiveness of transitional justice institutions in providing justice for victims. Elizabeth A. Stanley draws on observations, documentary analysis, and over seventy interviews with torture victims and transitional justice workers to explore these critical issues. The book examines the interplay between truth commissions and international courts, assessing their successes and weaknesses within the broader socio-political and economic context of Timor-Leste. It also details the personal experiences of torture survivors and their lives in the newly formed state.

The book is presented as a significant contribution to the study of transitional justice, particularly concerning the experiences of torture victims in Timor-Leste. It is noted for its comprehensive approach, integrating observational data, documentary analysis, and extensive interviews. The work is expected to be of interest to academics and practitioners in fields such as Asian studies, International Studies, Human Rights, and Social Policy, offering a detailed examination of justice mechanisms and their real-world impact.