Scan barcode
A review by dana_naylor
In the Pines: A Lynching, a Lie, a Reckoning by Grace Elizabeth Hale
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
Powerful. Painful. A necessary start for conversation.
“Across the nation, too many white people reacted to the civil rights movement by turning against the very concept of the public. Rather than accept integration, they rejected democracy. …when confronted with a choice between sharing their world with their Black neighbors or tearing it down, they chose destruction.” p135
Some other reviews of this book complain about the use of words like “probably” and “may have” in recounting elements of Versie Johnson’s life. The author explains that she has to make best guesses because records are not available and, more to the point, the REASON these records are not available.
This wasn’t an easy read, but I’m glad I read it.
I applaud the bravery of the author for telling a very painful story about someone she loved.
We need to have open conversations as a country about the realities of our history and need to acknowledge the harm that has been done by white supremacy.
“Across the nation, too many white people reacted to the civil rights movement by turning against the very concept of the public. Rather than accept integration, they rejected democracy. …when confronted with a choice between sharing their world with their Black neighbors or tearing it down, they chose destruction.” p135
Some other reviews of this book complain about the use of words like “probably” and “may have” in recounting elements of Versie Johnson’s life. The author explains that she has to make best guesses because records are not available and, more to the point, the REASON these records are not available.
This wasn’t an easy read, but I’m glad I read it.
I applaud the bravery of the author for telling a very painful story about someone she loved.
We need to have open conversations as a country about the realities of our history and need to acknowledge the harm that has been done by white supremacy.