Writing to Save a Life
Writing to Save a Life
Book Brief
224
Book • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1950s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Writing to Save a Life: The Louis Till File by John Edgar Wideman weaves together the grim life stories of Louis Till and his son Emmett Till, highlighting racial injustices they faced. Louis is executed by the U.S. Army on dubious charges, while Emmett is murdered in 1955 in a brutal, racially motivated attack. Wideman's narrative blends his own reflections with historical investigation, aiming to shed light on systemic racism. The book contains descriptions of violence and racial injustice.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Mysterious
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
539 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
John Edgar Wideman's Writing to Save a Life interweaves poignant personal narrative and poignant historical excavation, shedding light on racial injustice. Critics laud the emotive prose and depth of insight. Some find its structure disjointed, but overall, it is an evocative and powerful exploration of a tragic history, proving both compelling and thought-provoking.
Who Should Read Writing to Save a Life?
Readers who would enjoy Writing to Save a Life by John Edgar Wideman are those interested in African American history, social justice, and personal narratives. Fans of Ta-Nehisi Coates's Between the World and Me or James Baldwin's The Fire Next Time will find this reflective, investigative memoir compelling.
539 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Writing to Save a Life explores the story of Louis Till, the father of Emmett Till, who was executed by the U.S. Army during World War II for alleged rape and murder, a fact that John Edgar Wideman investigates and reflects upon in the book.
John Edgar Wideman, the author of Writing to Save a Life, is an acclaimed writer who has won multiple PEN/Faulkner Awards and was the first two-time winner of the prestigious award.
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In Writing to Save a Life, Wideman delves into themes of race, justice, and history, intertwining his own personal reflections with the broader narrative of Louis Till.
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224
Book • Nonfiction
Chicago, Illinois • 1950s
2016
Adult
18+ years
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