As January 1977 approached, ABC studios prepared for what would become an earth-shattering moment in American television history. Network executives had given the green light to a miniseries called ‘Roots‘ about the experience of Black Americans brought to the New World as slaves. The show was a monstrous success, and the final episode caught the attention of one-hundred million Americans. The series had been adapted for the silver screen based on the writings of the late Alexander Murray Palmer “Alex” Haley (1921-1992). Known to the world simply as “Alex” the author had turned America’s attention to the experience of its Black citizens who ordeal was far from over. But Roots was not his only success, and he had found fame in other ways as well. Further, there was more to the writer than the books bearing his name. Haley’s life on its own is the subject of this book which peels back the layers on the life of a gifted writer whose untimely demise left a void in the circle of Black authors which has never been filled.

When I saw this book in my list of recommendations, it caught my attention because I knew of Haley and his work. In high school, an English teacher named Ms. Drew who assigned several books for summer reading. One of those books was ‘The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Aley Haley‘ which I wrote a report about after finishing Malcolm’s story. The book has stayed with me, and I am currently reading it again. Of course, there were things Malcolm left out but the book has stood the test of time as required reading for those in search of an understanding of the life of Malcolm X (1925-1965). The story here begins in Henning, Tennessee under the weight of Jim Crow, a system young Palmer, as he is called by family, learns to navigate. However, his family would have been labeled middle class even as African Americans at that time. Further, the strong influence of his grandparents is readily apparent as the story progresses. However, tragedy strikes in several ways in which no one could have predicted. But in the end life must go on and it did for the young Alex Haley.

As he grows up, the story shifts gear when Uncle Sam enters the picture. I did not know that Haley had enlisted in the United States Coast Guard. This fateful decision is part of the reason the world received the writer who changed literature. I found myself glued to the pages as I read about his movement through the Navy which was not immune to racial discrimination and segregation. However, Haley had a gift with the pen, and he was literate. Readers may be surprised at the illiteracy found among fellow sailors but at that time, it was an escape for both poor whites and poor blacks, some of whom lacked formal education. Between letters and weekly articles, Haley’s star continued to rise, and he caught the attention of senior officers who realized his talents were wasted below decks. The story is incredible and highlights how far talent can take us. Surely, there were helping hands along the way as Haley completed a twenty-year career, retiring in 1959. Upon discharge, he was free to write as a freelancer but soon learned life outside the military was far less structured.

Haley’s writings are the crux of the story, but his personal life remains under scrutiny. And we learn of the three marriages in his life and the failed relationships he left behind. As each relationship develops, we can see as a reader the upcoming pitfall that Haley could not escape. However, it is fair to say that there is no perfect relationship nor a perfect human being, and his personal transgressions do not take away from his monumental contributions to American culture. But admittedly, his lack of parenting and ability to provide companionship to those who needed it stand in stark contrast to his unwavering commitment to the subjects of his books. And after moving from place to place and scraping by, he receives the opportunity of a lifetime even if he did not yet know it.

When Haley meets Malcolm X, the intensity level in the book increases significantly and rightfully so. Malcolm was an intensely charismatic and intelligent figure, but their connection did not develop quickly. It was interesting to see how long it took for their bond to develop and their early struggles as Malcolm told his story. Sadly, we know Malcolm did not leave to see the book’s publication. In fact, as explained in the story, Haley had spoken to Malcolm the day before his assassination at the Audobon Ballroom on February 21, 1965. This section gave me chills instantly. Curiously, the biography was not an instant hit, and publishers were not keen on it. In hindsight, we can see today that they had a masterpiece that needed time to reach its audience. But after Malcolm’s death, Haley needed work and money, and soon embarked on the project that changed his life and the core of American society.

Prior to reading the book, I did not know the story behind Roots. Well, the author tackles that subject, and we follow Haley to Africa as he searches for his family’s roots. And it is here that the story of Roots was born. The mission to get the book published was nothing short of brutal and the chaos is on full display as Norrell continues the story. The project was eventually completed and the decision to make a television series changes the game completely. Television is fascinating and the development of Roots, a story of its own, is also revisited, and the effort behind the show was monumental. The author pays close focus on the show’s impact which was staggering and how it reached Americans of every creed. The show was a success, and Haley was riding high until the lawsuits and accusations of fraud arrive.

At this point in the book, Haley has built up his image and wallet, but both come close to being undone from the fallout from litigation. The lawsuits and accusations leveled against him were serious, but the author presents a case against those which were frivolous. In the end, it is up to the reader to decide how he or she chooses to view his work. Haley had written a well-intentioned and emotional book about the dehumanizing system of slavery, and no one could deny its popularity and importance. The charges against him and the settlement of one claim damaged his image but failed to put him out of commission. And despite accusations that the entire story was made up, Roots remained a hit. And Haley remained in high esteem and sought after for lectures.

Following the success of Roots, Haley enjoyed fame but never again reached the heights of the television series. However, had he not died unexpectedly on February 10, 1992, he may have given us another masterpiece to change the way we view ourselves, each other, and the country we call home. If you need an enjoyable book about an author who shook up America, this will be a good addition to your library.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00WDW06HA
Publisher ‏ : ‎ St. Martin’s Press (November 10, 2015)