Plot Summary

Writing to Save a Life

John Edgar Wideman
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Writing to Save a Life

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016

Book Brief

John Edgar Wideman

Writing to Save a Life

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2016
Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1950s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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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

3.8

539 ratings

53%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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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 this

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.

3.8

539 ratings

53%

Loved it

30%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

224

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Chicago, Illinois • 1950s

Publication Year

2016

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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