Based on the book & true story of Clyde Thompson. In 1928, Cisco, Texas, a young Clyde finds himself in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Charged with murder, he is sentenced to death. Hours before execution, he is spared, and sentenced to life in prison at a Texas Prison Farm. Here he loses all faith, and is labeled "The Meanest Man in Texas." After several escape attempts and two murders, he is locked away in solitary confinement for the duration of the entire second World War. Alone with no hope, he uses a bible, a dictionary and books to educate himself. He earns two degrees and becomes a writer. Touched by his writing, Julia Perryman, who suffers from Scoliosis, reaches out to him and they fall in love through their letters. Through their faith and love, they find freedom.