Mistress of Life and Death: The Dark Journey of Maria Mandl, Head Overseer of the Women’s Camp at Auschwitz-Birkenau – Susan J. Eischeid

On February 7, 2024March 6, 2024 By Genyc79In UncategorizedLeave a comment

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“In 1941 I joined a party organization the Deutsche Frauenschaft and in the summer of 1942 joined the NSDAP. At this time the SS men in the camp sent out a questionnaire stressing that all guards had to belong to the party.” – Maria Mandl

The above statement from former Auschwitz-Birkenau women’s camp guard Maria Mandl (1912-1948), gives the impression that the once proud Nazi party member reluctantly embarked on a journey which involved the persecution of thousands of prisoners detained in the Third Reich’s concentration camps. However, the truth is far more disturbing. In fact, Mandl was known as one of the Reich’s most dangerous overseers and guard who sought to enhance her standing within the Reich. In the annals of World War II history, the female camp guards are sometimes a footnote in discussions. But the dark reality is that many of them were equally as deadly and sadistic as their male counterparts. And like other former officers, many also made homes for themselves outside of Germany as the Third Reich collapsed in April 1945. Readers familiar with the exodus of Germans at the end of the war may recall the name of Hermine Braunsteiner (1919-1999), a former guard at the Ravensbrück and Majdanek concentration camps who was discovered living in my hometown of New York City, in a small part of Queens called Maspeth. In 1973, she was extradited back to Germany where she received a life sentence in 1981. Mandl’s story is much shorter but just as unsettling. This is the life and death of the infamous guard as told by author Susan J. Eischeid.

Before starting the book, I did not know about Maria Mandl. I had heard the name Ilse Koch (1906-1967) and Irme Grese (1923-1945) whose actions during the war earned them a place on the dark side of history. Here, I learned about Mandl with a blank canvas that filled up quickly. Her early life is unremarkable in the sense that she came from a stable home with loving parents and no trace of dysfunction that warranted her future behavior. In fact, the family is so typical that it is hard to understand her descent into tyranny as a female guard. I concur with the author who opines that her thirst for power trumped her moral compass and provided justification for the horrors to come. And what becomes clear very quickly is that she accepted and enjoyed her newly obtained power after joining the ranks of the Reich guards.

I must warn the reader that Mandl was highly disturbed and unhinged at times. Her erratic and often contradictory behavior on display in the book led me to believe that she suffered from undiagnosed psychological ailments. The changes in mood and actions are like an alternating current, and at times it is not clear where Mandl’s mind is. This is further complicated by her love life, which is just as crazy as the actions of the camp guards. On a side note, the author explains a few things about camp behavior that will make readers cringe. I think the word that best comes to mind is debauchery. Mandl learned firsthand what it meant to “give oneself to the Reich”. Her firsthand experiences and lack of a stable companion only served to increase the tensions at the camp, with Mandl unleashing her rage on female prisoners. Living conditions at the camp were sub-human as anyone familiar with the holocaust knows and those conditions are described in the book to reinforce the inhumane treatment that endured. However, Mandl seemed to delight in humiliating other women and the acts recalled in the book are mind boggling. In one instance, the camp has an orchestra that practices and performs as others are being sent to their deaths. It is both macabre and surreal. And in the middle of this is Mandl whose dark and twisted mind tries to rationalize her actions. Her story is so absurd that at one point, she tries to convince others of how she tried to “help” or “save” the prisoners she treated like trash. The cognitive disconnect is hard to believe at times. I can only imagine the author’s thoughts as she compiled the story of Mandl’s life.

Upon her arrival at Auschwitz, the story takes a darker turn as that camp was known for its methods of madness. Within the camp, we learn of the rivalries between guards and the misogynistic attitude towards female guards from their male counterparts who saw them useful for a “good time” only. Even more unsettling are the intimate relationships between guards and prisoners on both sides of the aisle. The dysfunction within the Reich knew no bounds. Mandl joins the mix of insanity and continues her contradictory behavior. The stories are strange, upsetting and mystifying. Further, they will remove all doubt that Mandl “cared” for her prisoners. Sure, there were some situations where she took “pity” on a prisoner and spared her wrath for that moment. But those occasions were far and few in between and not the normal course of business.

As the book progresses, we know that liberation will eventually come to the camp as the Allied forces closed in on Berlin. When the collapse takes place, it becomes every man for himself with thousands of former guards left to fend for themselves and find a way out of Germany before the Soviet Army moves in. Capture by American forces was much more preferred as it offered a better chance of living out the remained of the year in jail instead or a long-term sentence instead of execution. Mandl tried her best but as we see in the book, she is eventually detained and later stands trial. I could not help myself, but while reading the story of proceedings, the image of Kate Winslett in the 2008 film ‘The Reader‘ came to mind. The fictional Hanna Schmitz is not seen on film committing the atrocities attributed to Mandl, but she was a war criminal and paid for her crimes. Like Schmitz, Mandl tried to offer the same excuse of “following orders”. No one bought that story, and it becomes clear in the story that Mandl’s days are numbered. And when she makes her exit from the story, the author describes the last swift moments that marked the end of the life of a Nazi guard responsible for death, heartache, and destruction. In her home village of Münzkirchen, her family was left to wonder how their little girl grew into a monster. Sadly, her father was kept in the dark regarding many things to protect him, but he was aware that his daughter had become what he despised. Mandl’s story is a tragedy in all respects and brings home the realities of war.

This is not a “delightful” book. It is dark at times, but also a reminder of the Third Reich’s insanity as World War II raged and the regime commenced the “Final Solution”. Maria Mandl met her end in 1948 but left a wake of terror that remained implanted in the memories of those who survived the horrors of the camps. This well-presented discussion of Mandl’s life inside the Reich and her fall as Germany’s unimaginable defeat became a reality shall remain a testament to humans’ uncanny ability to destroy themselves and those around them.

ASIN : ‎B0C15WQYJ2

Death of Innocence: The Story of the Hate Crime that Changed America – Christopher Benson and Mamie Till-Mobley

On January 21, 2024 By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

Emmett On August 28, 1955, Mamie Elizabeth Till-Mobley (1921-2003) received a phone call that permanently changed her life. Her son Emmett (1941-1955) had been abducted and murdered while staying with relatives in Money, Mississippi. The crime was brutal and normally would have been swept under the rug in a small southern town. However, his mother refused to let her son fade away and become a distant memory. She not only insisted on bringing the remains north, but she also made the fateful decision to have an open-casket funeral. Uncensored images of his body which were published in JET and Ebony magazines, sent shockwaves across America, and even today the pictures are haunting. Sadly, Emmett is known as the teenager who was murdered for the crime of “possibly whistling at white woman”. But is that what really happened that day? The woman behind the register, Carolyn Bryant (1934-2023), allegedly admitted in 2007 that the story was fabricated. But she later told the Federal Bureau of Investigation that she had not recanted. A bureau investigation found no credible evidence that she admitted to making false statements in 1955. The truth about the sequence of events at the store remains shrouded in mystery. Her former husband Roy Bryant and his friend J.W. Milam were acquitted of the crime by an all-white jury but in the court of public opinion, America had reached a turning point.

Till’s death is undoubtedly the darkest point in the book, but it is not the sole focus. In fact, this is his mother’s story of her life, her son Emmett and how she managed to continue living after his untimely and senseless death. As the story begins, Mamie takes us through her childhood which starts in Webb, Mississippi. It is a return to the Deep South, where Jim Crow is in full effect. At the age of eighteen, she meets Louis Till (1922-1945) whom she marries in 1940. The couple soon finds out that they are expecting a child. The marriage should have been joyful but Mamie reveals the dark side to Louis whose unpredictable and volatile nature cast a dark cloud over their union. After one terrible incident in the book, he is given the choice of jail or the Army. America had entered World War II by this point and Louis soon found himself in Europe. He disappears from the story until 1945, when Mamie receives a notification from the military that Louis had been executed due to willful misconduct. She does not go into the details because she had no idea what took place. However, author John Edgar Wideman did examine what is left of the military file regarding Louis’ execution. He wrote about it in his book ‘Writing to Save a Life: The Lous Till File’. The story is convoluted and not clear in some respects, but the reality is that Louis was gone, and Mamie had become a single parent. So, in the 1950s she made the move to Chicago with Emmett in tow.

Mamie and Emmett’s life in Chicago is fairly routine with her son blossoming into a responsible young man. This is by far the best part of the book, and critical in understanding who Emmett was. His mother provides crucial facts that explain his character and determination in life. However, there is one extremely important aspect of his early struggles with language that provides a clue as to what may have happened later in Mississippi. I do not want to spoil it for the readers but what Mamie explains will make the alarm bells go off in your head. As I read, I found myself feeling closer to Emmett and enjoying his maturity from a child into a teenager. And had he not been killed; he surely would have grown into a fine adult. From the anecdotes provided by Mamie, Emmett’s high intelligence and sharp wit earned the admiration of his mother, grandmother, and all who knew him.

While raising a son, Mamie also has time for love and goes through her difficulties before finding a rock in the form of Gene whom she marries and remains with until his death later in the story. Gene, along with her mother, are the rocks of the family and help weather the storm through the dark times to come. In the summer of 1955, Emmett wanted to visit his family in the Deep South. Mamie at first is against the idea because she knows that life is Mississippi is not like life in Chicago, and even the mildest interactions between Whites and Blacks could escalate to the point of death. But Emmett and his charm win her over and she agrees to let him go. But the grim feeling about Mississippi never leaves her and even up to the day he leaves, she is still wary of him going to the South. She gives him an extensive pep talk and explains all the fears she had about her only son visiting a part of the country where life for Blacks could be unbearable. At first the trip is routine with constant communication between Mamie, Emmett, and her relatives in Money. But on August 28, 1955, that small town changed and life for everyone did as well.

As I mentioned earlier, there is still mystery surrounding the events at the candy story where Carolyn Bryant worked. What is clear is that Emmett and his cousins purchased candy and were on their way out of the store and had stopped on the front porch to congregate as kids often do. It was alleged that Emmett whistled at Bryant, and other outlandish accounts have claimed that he went as far as to grab her by the waist and make suggestive remarks. Although Emmett was from Chicago, I do not believe he was crazy enough to do such a thing. In fact, the story of the sequence of events changed so many times that it is hard to know what happened. Regardless, none of those things, even if they did occur, justify the brutal execution of a teenage boy. Adults failed Emmett and later on, the American justice system failed him and his family. Mamie is at home when the call comes in, and the heartbreaking news comes through in the book like a sledgehammer. It is a moment we know is coming but the dread surrounding it is no less terrifying. I do not know where she found the strength to keep going, but as the events play out, Mamie is like a rock and never stops in her journey to obtain justice for Emmett.

It is clear from the beginning that the trial would be a farce. The local sheriff and citizens were determined to keep Blacks “in their place” and were not going to convict the defendants. However, their crime attracted national attention and put Mississippi in the spotlight, and rightfully so. The jury’s reason for acquittal is laughable and today we know a decision such as that would not happen. But in 1955, in the Deep South, justice for Blacks and other minorities was almost non-existent. But across the country, Americans were waking up to the injustices across the nation. And Emmett’s death catapulted that movement for Civil Rights. Mamie finds herself in the spotlight, meeting scores of famous people from the Rev. Jessie Jackson to Martin Luther King, Jr. (1929-1968) And later in life, she meets former U.S. President William J. “Bill” Clinton. Despite the attention, she never loses focus that the movement is bigger than Emmett. But that does not take away from her grief which remains through her for the remainder of the book. One by one, those close to her make their departures as age and poor health claim their victims. She is the last to go in 2003, but before she leaves, she makes sure to explain the reasons behind her actions and everything she learned in her life. Her collaborator Christopher Benson provides a post-script about Mamie and her death which are a fitting ending to the book. If you know the story of Emmett Till’s death, you must also know the story of his life and his family’s trials and tribulations. This is the place to start.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B003E8AIDO

The Young Lords: A Radical History – Johanna Fernández

On January 15, 2024 By Genyc79In American History, Civil Rights Movement3 Comments

Lords

In two weeks, Black History month will commence and highlight the legacy and story of Black Americans. The achievements of America’s black citizens will come into sharp focus, but the story is far from monolithic. In fact, within and around the movements were organizations who modeled themselves after the Black Panther Party of Self-Defense, Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) and others. Among those groups was the Young Lords, a primarily Hispanic America organization which originated in the windy city of Chicago before spreading to other places including my hometown of New York City. This is their story by author Johanna Fernández and the radical history they created in the struggle by Puerto Ricans for their place in American society.

Although not necessary, I do recommend two other books which could serve as primers for the story of the Young Lords. The first is ‘War Against All Puerto Ricans: Revolution and Terror in America’s Colony‘ by Nelson A. Denis and the second is ‘Fantasy Island: Colonialism, Exploitation, and the Betrayal of Puerto Rico‘ by Ed Morales. Both are invaluable tools in understanding the current-day state of Puerto Rico. I also recommend ‘When I Was Puerto Rican‘ by Esmeralda Santiago. The story here originates in the City of Chicago, where a young Puerto Rican man named Jose “Cha Cha” Jimenez reaches his breaking point after witnessing the discrimination and exploitation of Puerto Ricans who relocated to the mainland United States from their Caribbean island. A native of the island himself, Jimenez understood the experiences of others who had to make a new home in cities they were unfamiliar with. Added to their despair was the social climate of America during the turbulent 1960s when America found itself going through profound change.

I was fascinated learning about Jimenez’s story, and the transformation he undergoes as he becomes aware of the plight facing his neighborhood. The author does an excellent job in allowing the reader to view things as Jimenez would have in the late 1960s. We learn that his mother, who is from an older generation, sees things differently and the two are sometimes at odds over how to move forward when others see them as a threat. His path to the outspoken Lords figure started early. In fact, a Fernandez explains:

“Cha Cha Jiménez had been a Young Lord since the age of eleven. He was among a group of seven youths—six Puerto Ricans and one Mexican—who had organized the gang in 1959. The others included the group’s unofficial leader, Orlando Dávila, as well as Benny Perez, David Rivera, Fermín Perez, Joe Vincente, and the Mexican-descended Sal del Rivero.”

It is surreal that at the age of eleven, Jimenez and others were envisioning their path when other kids would typically be signing up for little league baseball or making plans for summer camp. Further, the author does not shy away from another complicated issue: race within Puerto Rican culture itself. The identity of Afro-Puerto Rican is a major component of the story that actually propels the Young Lords forward. However, it is also taboo, but in the book, the members of the Young Lords are not afraid to confront it and use it as a tool for solidarity. For Jimenez and others like him, they had to confront the issue of being labeled a “minority” while also exploring their heritage. It was a journey in search of two identities.

As the story progresses, the Young Lords grow in size as other young Puerto Ricans are drawn to their message. However, the issue of class comes up, and there is friction between the older middle-upper class Puerto Ricans and the young bearded revolutionaries who were reading the works of Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong (1893-1976), Argentine revolutionary Ernesto “Che” Guevara (1928-1967) and others. The movement could not be contained, and the story picks up the pace when a new chapter for the Lords is formed in New York City. Taking the cue from Chicago, the New York chapter moves full speed ahead in terms of organization and operations that caught the attention of the entire city. The story left me speechless at times and I also felt a tinge of embarrassment for not knowing the Young Lords story and their place in the history of the Five Boroughs. From the seizure of the First Spanish United Methodist Church to the occupation at Lincoln Hospital, the Lords were determined to make their voices heard and did. The unbelievable events are re-told in vivid detail and highlight the organizational skills and commitment by the Lords to their cause. Today both episodes are footnotes in history but in 1970, the New York Police Department took them very seriously.

Following the events of 1970, the story takes a sharp turn when the group shifts its focus from New York to Puerto Rico itself. How and why the decision was made is covered in the book, and as I read, I was confused at the change in course. Of course, Puerto Rico was the heart of the group even with twenty-five percent of the members being Black Americans. However, the island was very different from New York City and Chicago, and that becomes clear in the story. It is not long before the Lords re-focus on New York but by then, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (“FBI”) had them on their radar. And like the Panthers and other left-wing groups, the infamous COINTEL program found its mark. Before the bureau was done, shockwaves traveled through the organization all the way up the chain of command. The story of party official Gloria Fontanez and her marriage are an example of how far the bureau had infiltrated the group. It can be argued that this was the beginning of the end for the Young Lords. However, their impact could not be ignored, and for thousands of Puerto Ricans, they instilled pride and hope, that they too will move forward in life.

Upon finishing the book, I sat back for a minute to digest what I had read. The Young Lords had accomplished what no one imagined, in such a short period of time. Aside from the public actions which caught the attention of City Hall, they had also started a newspaper called ‘Palante’. They understood that knowledge is power, and to learn, reading is a necessary tool. To drive home the point about Palante and its creation, Fernández explains that:

“With little to no experience in newspaper production or training in journalism, the approximately ten young radicals who were on the Palante team at any given time worked doubly hard to produce one of the few bilingual newspapers of the period—no small accomplishment for an organization with few members who were fluent or formally trained in Spanish.”

The success of Palante was no small feat but by 1971, the Young Lords’ offices in New York City were gone. We learn of the split between the New York and Chicago chapters of the organization which is eerily similar to the fallout within the Black Panther Party. Party expulsions, deaths and exodus for other reasons only served to deplete the ranks of the once formidable revolutionary party. But it does not diminished the heights the Young Lords reached in a time when being Puerto Rican was seen as below-human and few understood the pride that came with being Boricua. If you want to know more about the Young Lords and New York City History, this is the place to start.

ASIN ‏:‎ 1469653443

Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider – Stacy Spikes

On January 7, 2024 By Genyc79In AutobiographyLeave a comment

Sikes America always has a soft spot for success stories in which the odds are against the protagonist. The story of the underdog faced with adversity is inspiring and reminds us that failure is not always the end. I saw this autobiography and asked myself if I had heard of Stacey Spikes. The title is eye catching, and I did anticipate a discussion of race in the book. However, that is not the case here. Although the issue does come up on occasion, the story told within is about drive, passion and finding your vision through the American way of life.

If you do not know who Stacy Spikes is, that is fine and does not take away from the reader’s experience. In fact, no prior knowledge of him is necessary. However, his story is incredible and the hidden gem in the book is his ability to keep going in life when all seemed lost. But it is important to recall that Spikes is a Black American who navigated the music and film industry as an outsider. Of course, that position has its benefits and drawbacks, but Spikes made the best of it. From his early days in the music business to the creation of Urbanworld and work with Mirimax films, he learns through baptism by fire, and each position adds more experience to his resume and wisdom to his outlook on life.

There are some dark moments in the book, starting with his early battle with addiction. Undeterred, he cleans himself up and embarks on a journey that no one could have predicted. And as the story progresses, we are given an inside look into the entertainment industry and all of its characters from film-star/musician Eddie Murphy, the ‘Black Godfather’ Clarence Avant (1921-2023) to the former Mirimax co-partner Harvey Weinstein. The section about Mirimax films is a bit shocking but echoes what director M. Night Shyamalan has discussed regarding his experience while collaborating with their team. And though there are no disclosures about Weinstein’s sexual activity, we can see how vicious he was when it came to business.

Following his stint with Mirimax, Spikes sets his sights on new goals, one of which shows his ability to see past current trends. After discussing the early days of Netflix, Spikes introduces us to MoviePass, his project that became a major player in the movie-going experience. The story of its rise, his fallout with partners and re-acclimation of the company are all covered within, and sure to leave the reader speechless. There is more to the story as well, including marriage, fatherhood, and friendship. A happy conclusion can be found here but the story is not without its setbacks. For anyone interested in what life is really like as an entrepreneur this book is a blessing. And for the rest, it is an effective way to learn about the industries that produce the films and music we consume.

ASIN :‎ B0B3G4RCJK

Coolidge – Amith Shlaes

On January 1, 2024 By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

Coolidge

If we compare America to the rest of the world, it is fair to say it is still a “young nation”. But in the years in 1776, the United States has come a long way, and changed world history for better and worse. Every four years, the nation votes on who will be the new Commander-in-Chief. Some candidates were elected for the first time and then re-elected while others assumed the presidency upon the death of a predecessor. The latter was the case for America’s thirtieth President Calvin Coolidge (1872-1933). The Plymouth, Vermont native is one of history’s most obscure leaders. In fact, I do not recall learning anything about him in school other than his name. So, when I saw this book, my interest piqued, and I became determined to know who Coolidge was and the legacy he left behind.

Prior to starting the book, I had no feelings about Coolidge which left me a neutral position in approaching his story. The author Amity Shlaes tells the story without any bias and provides a straightforward account of Coolidge’s short but incredible life. Coolidge’s story begins in Vermont, where his father John and mother Victoria have a successful farm. On July 4, 1872, John Calvin Coolidge was born, but his parents could not have known that their son would one day be the leader of the country. Sadly, there is heartbreak in his early life, but what transpires was common for life in the 1800s before the discovery of penicillin and advancements of modern medicine. The monumental loss suffered by Coolidge as a youth did not deter him from moving forward in life which includes becoming an attorney and joining the expanding Republican Party. Love also enters the picture when he meets Grace Goodhue (1879-1957). Shales revisits their courtship, marriage and the birth of their two sons, John (1906-2000) and Calvin, Jr. (1908-1924).

As one would expect, the story picks up in pace when Coolidge begins his journey in politics, not in Vermont but in Massachusetts where he eventually becomes Governor. In 1919, the Boston Police Department went on strike, and Coolidge was faced with an unprecedented situation. The incredible story is laid out in detail, and Coolidge rises to the occasion. I enjoyed learning about this historical event that is a footnote today. I could not imagine a police force strike today, especially in my hometown of New York City. However, it did happen, and the story told within highlights the dangers of a lawless society and the importance of law enforcement. Coolidge becomes a rising star in the Republican Party in the wake of the strike and earns a spot on the ticket of Warren G. Harding (1865-1923) who wins the 1920 election. But in three years, life for everyone changed when Harding died on August 2, 1923. His death ushered in a new administration focused on reducing government spending and eliminating debt. Coolidge would go on to become one of the most frugal presidents in history, but he also supported advancement in technology and other changes in America.

Readers may be surprised to learn that Coolidge was an avid supporter of aviation and during his administration, a sculptor named Gutzon Burglom (1867-1941) envisioned a tribute to selected presidents at place called Mount Rushmore. But Coolidge was known for his frugality and tight constraints on reckless expenditure. His conservative policy and way of life are on full display, and he comes across as a no-nonsense leader who cares little for opinions of him. Shlaes takes us inside the Coolidge White House where the first couple adjusts to life in Washington and confronts old habits from prior administrations. Change does take place, but not rapidly and not without pushback as we see throughout the story. As I read, Coolidge emerged as an incredibly simple leader with a mind keen on controlling the budget and promoting economic growth. Of course, he does allow himself so small pleasures but sticks to his plan for America. During his time in office, the nations saw the passage of the Indian Citizenship Act of 1924 and the Kellogg Briand Pact of 1928 which outlawed war as an instrument of foreign policy.

The story moves along without much fanfare due to Harding’s nature and crafted public image until tragedy strikes in 1924, when Calvin, Jr. makes his departure. I previously did not know of this event but could feel Coolidge’s heartbreak as he confronts the loss of a child. Today Calvin would have certainly survived but in 1924, doctors did what they could with what they had. Life is never the same again, and in 1928, Coolidge decides not to run for re-election and grudgingly supports Republican candidate Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) who becomes the thirty-first President of the United States. After leaving the White House, Coolidge fades away from the spotlight but years of ill health and heavy smoking come to collect their tolls. And at the age of sixty, he is gone. His ending is swift and there is no drama around it as he was home with his wife Grace, but his life can be measured by the series of successful actions and changes he implemented. He was not without his faults and did have detractors but is fair to say that he had the respect of all.

I found this book to be a fascinating account of Coolidge’s life, politics in the 1920s and a thorough discussion of how America was changing after World War I. The backstabbing, strange alliances and power plays we expect from politics is all here in a story that was enjoyable to read. Coolidge remains cool as the events play out and leaves office with a solid track record. The automobile, aviation and reduced government oversight were pushing America forward but in 1929, a stock market crash set the world on a collision course. And in 1933, the same year Coolidge died, an Austrian corporal was designated Chancellor of Germany. Six years later he gave the green light for an attack on neighboring Poland that ignited World War II. If you want to know more about Calvin Coolidge and the America he inherited upon Harding’s death, this is a suitable place to start.

ASIN : B006SJCM0I

Bitterly Divided: The South’s Inner Civil War – David Williams

On December 25, 2023 By Genyc79In American History, Civil War2 Comments

Divided I am consistently amazed at the amount of history related to the American Civil War. The conflict which bitterly divided America, was a moment in which the United States had to reconcile with its dark past and an uncertain future. As a Northerner, the image I had of the Confederacy was generated from films and television. However, the reality of the South was a society divided and plagued with inner turmoil and dysfunction. Author David Williams explores this little-known history of the Confederacy, and the resistance from within to keep the Union together and dismantle the slave-holding elite class in the South.

Within several minutes of reading the opening section of the book, I could not help but feel that the South was doomed from the start. But the war’s conclusion could have been quite different as the author points out, had the South been better prepared and more realistic about secession and independence. However, that did not happen, and as the book progresses, the grim reality facing the Confederate States of America and its President Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) comes into sharper focus. I previously reviewed Bruce Levine’s ‘The Fall of the House of Dixie: The Civil War and the Social Revolution That Transformed the South’, which discusses social changes in the South in the aftermath of the conflict. Williams’ account is focused on the failures that began to affect the South’s mission from the very start and the unsettling truths for proponents of the ‘Lost Cause’ myth. There was no grand or noble effort to crush the North. In fact, what the author reveals here is far from admirable and shows that the South was coming apart at the seams.

I was aware of the high desertion rate Confederate commanders faced as they engaged Union troops. But the number of soldiers who laid down their arms and deserted is staggering. And the crux of the issue is why they deserted to begin with. Williams takes a deep dive into the social climate in which the book is set. A minority of powerful and wealthy figures decided war was good, even if the majority of Southerners were not wealthy, did not own slaves and saw secession as pointless. This detachment from reality placed the South at a disadvantage from the moment the opening shot was fired at Fort Sumter, Charleston, South Carolina on April 12, 1861. It also fostered hatred among citizens of the South towards the slave owners who dragged them into war. But there is far more to the story which Williams tells brilliantly.

Aside from desertion, we also learn that famine was just as crippling. But the actions of women across the South determined to feed their families was eye-opening. The stories told in the book should remove any doubt that the South was “self-sufficient”. In fact, it becomes very obvious that the South could not feed all of its people. Several of the stories are shocking and show that the women had no fear of anyone because food and survival trumped any effort to push back against the Union. But that also raises the question: how could the government not see this ahead of time? There is a good reason which the author discusses, and to say that it was poor planning would be an understatement. The situation across the South was that food was scarce, citizens were bitter, and resentment was building exponentially. And if that were not enough, we also learn more of the anti-secession/pro-Union militias operating within the South to bring down the Confederacy and end the bloody war.

We know from the early part of the book that the majority of Southerners did not approve of secession from the Union. But rebel units loyal to the Union are an aspect of the conflict which I had never heard discussed in any classroom I can recall. This was mind blowing. Civil War buffs may know this part of the story very-well, but if you are not one of those people, this part of the story is surreal. The story is so engaging that I could not stop reading and my mind absorbed the information like a sponge. However, this is the elephant in the room throughout the book and that is slavery.

Williams pulls no punches is discussing the attitude towards slavery whether it is in the South or the North. And what he shows is that while the two sides engaged in war, it was seen as a white man’s war and regardless of the outcome, President Abraham Lincoln had no desire to confront slavery once and for all (1809-1865). Lincoln was willing to let slavery continue if he were able to come to a compromise and hold the Union together. And in the South, slaves themselves became higher in value due to conscription and the South’s need for more able-bodied soldiers. Both sides underestimated the resolve of free and enslaved Blacks who were no longer willing to tolerate being held in bondage. And as we see in the book, although both sides initially abhorred the use of Black troops for varied reasons, the entry of Black Union soldiers into the conflict helped turn the tide of the war. Also, those not in uniform but determined to undermine the South as they spied on the Confederacy are discussed so that their names are not lost to history. By the time I finished the book, I realized that the South was doomed, and nothing was going to save it.

If we are to truly learn American history, we need books such as this which tell us the uncomfortable and sobering truths about what really happened. History is rarely pleasant and often filled with facts that we would rather forget. But the reality is that the Civil War and its aftermath shaped the America we see today. And though the country continues to change, many more years are needed to move away from the not too distant past when the United States became divided and the nation went to war with itself.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0042RU4D0

Paradise Falls: A Deadly Secret, a Cover-Up, and the Women Who Forged the Modern Environment Movement – Keith O’Brien

On December 17, 2023 By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

Lovecanal In the 1890s, William T. Love set his sights on the Niagara River near Niagara Falls, New York. He envisioned a lively city full of promise but in 1893, a financial panic disrupted his plans, and by 1897, Love had abandoned his dream. However, the land was deemed valuable by others, and in the 1940s, the Chemical Hooker Company (“Hooker”) purchased the area that had become known as “Love Canal”. In 1953, the company sold the land to the Niagara Falls City School District at the low price of one dollar. To the board it seemed like a dream come true, but lurking underneath the surface were secrets that should have been cause for alarm. For the residents of Love Canal, the neighborhood they had grown to love, became the biggest threat to their lives. When I saw this book for purchase, I stopped for a moment to consider what I knew about Love Canal. I was aware that it was known for being contaminated, but there is far more to the story told by author, Keith O’Brien, who takes a deep dive into the tragic history that will leave you speechless.

The book commences by revisiting the experience of Debbie Gallo, who suffers burns while visiting a local playground. Her mother rushes her to the hospital, and the young girl makes a full recovery. However, their experience was mild in comparison to what was to come. After a brief explanation of the canal’s history and Love himself, the story picks up pace as the main characters enter the story. We soon learn about the families of Lois Gibbs and Luella Kenny, two mothers whose voices became irreplaceable in the struggle to hold Hooker responsible for the contaminants lurking in Love Canal. On the government side, the response from New York States comes through the words and actions of former Governor Hugh Carey (1919-2011) and former Health Commissioner David Axelrod (1935-1994). Carey weaves his in and out of the story, leaving Axlerod to manage the bulk of the tasks as health commissioner. But interestingly, even the health department had its own internal divisions over the Love Canal scandal, with the fiercest advocate for change being Beverly Paigen (1938-2020), whose story highlights the politics at play within the agency. The story is certainly a mix of pivotal figures, including then President James Earl “Jimmy” Carter, who inherits the Love Canal problem which becomes a hotbed political issue as his campaign for re-election is threaten by the popularity of Republican candidate Ronald Reagan (1911-2004). But none of this should take the attention away from the real victims in the story, the people of Love Canal. What they experienced was nothing short of horrific.

As I read the story, I found myself aghast at the staggering number of toxic chemicals investigators found at Love Canal. And regardless of the name revealed, it is understood that none were safe for human exposure. While the State of New York was going through the motions in responding to the crisis, families were falling apart. The story of Luella Kenny and her son Jon Allen is heartbreaking. The signs were there but it seemed as if no one was paying attention except Luella, who knew something was wrong with her son. Then there is the story of Elene Thorton, a resident of public housing who becomes a vocal critic on behalf of the black residents of Love Canal also struggling to have their stories told. Sadly, even in the time of a major crisis, the issue of race comes into play. And the monsters known as envy and greed also enter the story and threaten to undermine the effort to hold Hooker accountable. Frankly, no one comes out of the experience unscathed. Even Gibbs who becomes the spokeswoman for Love Canal saw her personal life suffer. Her two lives are revisited as the author peels the layers back on the tragedy, revealing the incredible sacrifices by those determined to find resolution.

Probing by investigators underscores the disturbing reality that Hooker had not been fully transparent. But the find that breaks the camel’s back is the discovery of a dreaded and well-known pollutant called Dioxin. You may have heard the name before as it is a known cancer-causing toxin used in the herbicide labeled “Agent Orange” during the Vietnam War. At this point in the story, the floodgates are opened, and Washington can no longer ignore the Love Canal issue. To be fair, President Carter does take action, and the Super Fund legislation is passed by Congress. And the offer by Governor Carey to buy the property of homeowners in Love Canal was a good will gesture. But the efforts were sometimes too little too late. Those who survived Love Canal did so at the cost of personal hardship and in some cases, with lingering health issues.

Today there are new residents living near Love Canal which officials insist are safe. However, I doubt that we will fully know how deep the pollution was in the area. Yes, investigators cleaned up what was possible and demolished unsafe structures. But contamination is never a quick fix and for several decades, Hooker Chemical had free reign to dump its toxins. The story of Love Canal is the proof we need of how lack of oversight can have deadly consequences. This story is unbelievable and includes everything you would expect about a tragedy in a small American town. There are tears, death, fame, jubilation and even a hostage situation as the people of Love Canal fight for their lives when a paradise fell. Highly recommended.

ASIN : B096DLTZF5

A Terrible Glory: Custer and the Little Bighorn – the Last Great Battle of the American West – James Donovan

On November 30, 2023 By Genyc79In American HistoryLeave a comment

Custer On June 25, 1876, the United States Army’s Seventh Calvary Unit engaged a combined force of Lakota Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, and Arapaho tribe warriors in a battle which resulted in a stunning defeat for the military and became known as “Custer’s Last Stand” due to the death of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer (1839-1876). Custer has become a part of American pop culture, and his demise has been studied by scholars and historians. But was his demise a last stand? James Donovan revisits the tragedy of the Seventh Calvary in this book the author calls the last great battle of the American West.

The book is not intended to be a biography of Custer, but Donovan’s discussion of Custer’s early life is important in understanding the soldier he developed into. In comparison to the glorified image of Custer that prevailed in the wake of his death, the truth is far more complex, and the real Custer emerges as a multi-dimensional figure that is part of history for reasons he surely would not have wanted. However, before his demise, he did live an interesting life during the 1800s when America was still expanding its borders, even if it meant war with the natives. Following Custer’s childhood in Ohio, the author moves to his military career which includes service in the American Civil War. And on a personal note, we learn of Custer’s love for his wife, Elizabeth Bacon Custer (1842-1933) who is left to grieve after the battle at Little Bighorn. Custer’s service in the Civil War eventually ended with the defeat of the Confederacy, but for former soldiers, life after the war was far from easy. In fact, Donovan explains the sobering reality army officers faced after the South’s surrender. For Custer, life outside of a uniform was not much of a reality. Fate intervened, and he would join a new mission that would shed as much bloodshed as the Civil War: the battle to contain North America’s Indian tribes. And this is where the book takes a dark turn.

Readers who are sensitive to descriptions of violence, combat and the like should use discretion as the depictions of skirmishes between army troops and native tribes are revisited. The battles were brutal, and the tensions ran high across North America as white settlers and government troops pushed further west. Those who ventured past America’s western border, entered parts unknown. Some were never seen alive again. Treaties between the native tribes and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, did not count for much, and the escalation of tension between both sides raises the level of suspense as Donovan tells the story. Custer found himself in need of a purpose which came through an invitation to join the Seventh Calvary. This decision would seal his fate although he could not have known this at the time.

As the story moves closer to the battle, Custer prepares his force which includes Indian scouts and even a Black volunteer named Isaiah Dorman (1832-1876) which was strange considering Custer’s views towards black troops during the Civil War. While Custer was preparing for what he believed would be a glorious battle, the natives had plans of their own. And leading the pack were the warriors Sitting Bull (1831-1890) and Crazy Horse (d. 1877). Had Custer known what they were planning, history might be different today. But he did not, and we soon reach the part of the story where the Seventh Calvary moves out on its mission. It was Custer’s last mission and I warn readers that it was far from a last stand but annihilation. In fact, I had to steel myself as I read about the battle’s aftermath. But why did Custer fail?

Donovan discusses the failed strategy that led to defeat but it is hard to say what Custer believed at the time. However, his decision to split the calvary proved to be deadly. As they engage the natives, they soon learn that they are up against thousands of warriors and severely outnumbered. The fractured military units led by Senior Officer Marcus Reno (1834-1889), Captain Frederick Benteen (1834-1898) and Captain Thomas McDougall (1845-1909) were all in trouble and the three military commanders made the decision to withdraw in the face of oncoming waves of tribal warriors. After the battle, the officers would each face scrutiny with Reno becoming persona non grata in military circles. The reasons for his downfall are explained in the book, as well as the position of the Army, forced to confront Custer’s defeat. But on the side of the late soldier were those determined to preserve his legacy as we seen in the story. His widow Libbie is chief among them even as she continued to mourn the loss of her husband. The book continues after Custer’s death and the fallout is interesting. Of course, politics come into play, and the military itself goes on the defensive. And interesting, it managed to secure Custer’s legacy well into the 1900s.

I cannot ignore the dark undertone of the book, fueled by the fact that Custer’s last moments are still peppered with mystery. That he died in combat is not in dispute, but his movements as the battle rage and the native attack that took his life leave more questions than answers. They also cast a darker cloud over the battle of Little Bighorn. To supplement the book, I watched a couple of videos regarding the battle to learn what historians have discovered in recent years. What I learned is that the battle was even more gruesome than the descriptions in this book. I could not imagine being in that battle against the native tribes thirsty for blood and without the “restraints” of conventional warfare. The author here removes all doubt that the native tribes had one goal and that was to kill as many troops as possible. Sadly, that goal was accomplished, and Custer’s life came to a tragic end. This is not the sole book on the battle nor the definitive account, but it is an excellent place to start if you want to know the story of George Armstrong Custer and the battle that changed American history.

“We will never know, without a reasonable doubt, what happened to Custer and his 210 men. That is because no white observer saw any man of that contingent alive again, and the accounts of those who witnessed its movements—the Sioux and Cheyenne who defeated Custer—are, for many reasons, sketchy and often contradictory.” – James Donovan

ASIN :‎ B000SHPTG0

One Child: The Story of China’s Most Radical Experiment – Mei Fong

On November 16, 2023 By Genyc79In UncategorizedLeave a comment

fong On September 25, 1980, the Central Committee of the Chinese Communist Party (“CCP”) took an unprecedented step in drafting an open letter to party members urging support for the “One-Child Policy” initialized by former CCP leader Deng Xiaoping (1904-1997). The policy became controversial and set into motion a series of events that threaten the long-term stability of the nation known as the “Red Dragon”. Author Mei Fong is a former reporter for the China bureau of the Wall Street Journal and lived in the country for a significant period. This book is an examination of the one child policy and the dark reality of life in China.

Radical policies are not alien to China. In fact, the nation had already experienced the “Great Leap Forward” instituted by Mao Zedong (1893-1976) in 1958. However, the One-Child Policy was different, and it had devastating effects on multiple levels. The grim reality is revealed in this book that peels back the layers on what took place as the CCP made good on its word. I warn readers that some sections of the book are difficult, in particular discussions about pregnancy terminations. And though there are no brutally graphic descriptions of aggression, the weight of the situations can be felt. Such scenes are unimaginable in the West but in China under the one-child policy, procreation came with staggering risk. The chances of being caught did not deter all couples, and babies were born. But the preference for male babies, coupled with the one-child policy, opened the door for a system dysfunction the author highlights throughout the book. The policy may be obsolete, but the damage it did continues.

As I read the book, I could only shake my head at the unwelcomed changes in Chinese society. A surplus of bachelors, an aging population, and lack of new births has placed China in a tough position. Currently, the alarm bells have gone off within China that it needs more people. The problem for the CCP is that you cannot undue decades of dangerous policy overnight, and that is a central theme in the book as we learn of the horror stories from the Chinese men and women brave enough to talk to Fong. Their experiences are surreal but sadly normal under the restrictive policy. However, the book contains far more than just a battle over having multiple children. In fact, there are other areas she explores which are mind boggling.

Readers who have lived in China or are deeply familiar with Chinese society will know and understand what Fong discusses. But for others who are unaware of the dark side to the CCP’s rule, there is a wealth of information to process. Fong takes us inside the international adoption market, supported by the CCP, private lives of men who paid for wives only to see them flee during the night, and the sex doll industry, flourishing as the result of an imbalance between genders. These parts of the book are dark, but necessary in understanding how a misguided policy has damaged those it was designed to protect. The book also focuses on the growing problem of China’s aging population and what it means for the future.

In the middle of these issue is Fong’s own story as a wife going through the maternity process in China, providing her with a first-hand view of what expectant mothers confront as they carry a child. She eventually leaves China but is sure to open the reader’s eyes to the surrogate market, which thrives in the book. There is also a disturbing section about the possibility of genetic manipulation that will make the hair on your neck stand up. The author pulls no punches here and lays it all out for the reader to absorb. China will eventually recover at some point, but the past is always prologue. For China, things may become very dark before the light returns. Until then, the policies of CCP leaders will continue to haunt the People’s Republic of China. And this book is crucial in understanding how and why.

ASIN :‎ B00QPHNV4E

The Peking Express: The Bandits Who Stole a Train, Stunned the West, and Broke the Republic of China – James M. Zimmerman

On November 4, 2023 By Genyc79In ChinaLeave a comment

Peking On October 1, 1949, Chinese Communist Party leader Mao Zedong (1893-1976) announced the creation of the People’s Republic of China after a brutal struggle against the Kuomintang (“KMT”) forces under the leadership of General Chiang Kai-Shek (1888-1975). Mao and the CCP had watched China grapple with its own internal conflicts for years which led to instability and uncertainty. On the night of May 5, 1923, Chinese bandits commanded by Sun Meiyao (1898-1923) seized a train traveling between Shanghai and Beijing, known as the “Peking Express”. Local citizens and foreigners were taken hostage by the bandits and forced to march towards Paotzuku mountain. This is the story of what became known as the “Lincheng Incident” re-told by author James M. Zimmerman in stunning detail.

One hundred years have now passed since the events in this book occurred, but the effects of the crisis on modern day China should not be overlooked. After introducing us to the well-connected passengers aboard the train, mostly foreigners, the author changes gears and takes us to the night when all hell breaks loose as a crude act of sabotage changes the lives of the train’s passengers and the course of history. Of course, the most important question is why? Well, there is more than one reason for the bandits’ actions, but financial gain is among them. But I could not ignore the savagery displayed towards native Chinese passengers by the bandits. Mental and physical exhaustion soon creeps in, making the hostage situation difficult to say the least. The female passengers which included Lucy Aldrich (1869-1955), daughter of Rhode Island Republican Senator Nelson W. Aldrich (1841-1915), are released over the course of several days following the incident, but the male passengers were remanded for several more weeks as the incident played out. However, as readers will see, the women did not have an “easy” time, and found that in the wilderness, the elements spare no one.

As I read the book, I began to understand that the rebels did not have a long-term plan. Aside from taking hostages, the end game did not make much sense. Further, the arrival of Chinese military personnel combined with pressure from foreign governments made it clear that the kidnappings would have to be resolved. What ensues is a haphazard pace of events in which more passengers are released while others use any means available to make their escape. And I had no illusions that the bandits were in store for anything but grisly fates upon the events’ conclusion.

The story is surreal, and the lawlessness of rural China in the early 1900s comes into sharp focus. This story is mind boggling, but incredibly important in Chinese history, and it served as the basis for the 1932 film ‘Shanghai Express‘ starring the late Marlene Dietrich (1901-1992). Following the release of the passengers, the Chinese government wastes no time in dealing with the rebels, and their fates as told by the author, are not for the faint of heart. Frankly, justice was swift and brutal, but to be expected in China. Zimmerman also provides a few words about the lives of the famous passengers whose experiences continued long after their release from the bandits. But none of them could have imagined than fourteen years later, the Japanese Army would launch a military operation during World War II which brought death and destruction to China and made it clear to both the CCP and KMT, that China could only survive once free from foreign occupation. Mao Zedong, years away from becoming “Chaiman Mao”, shrewdly observed the lasting effect of the incident, and as the author points out:

“One of the people closely following the Lincheng Incident was the young Chinese communist leader Mao Tse-tung. In one of his first public speeches, at the Hunan Peasant Congress in December 1926, Mao specifically cited the event as an example of “starving peasants rioting” against the imperialists, warlords, and feudal classes.”

Zimmerman’s research into the events is incredible and my attention never waned while reading. The story is told at the right pace with the right amount of suspense. Without this book, the Lincheng incident may have been forgotten history. However, this book keeps the unbelievable story alive, and is a valuable account of a moment when the world changed.

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0B9BCP7LP

FREETHINKING BIBLIOPHILE

Author: Genyc79