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dave37's review
4.0
As a 15 year resident of St. Louis, but not a native, there were a lot of insights to be gained from this book. The majority of the writings (perhaps 3/4) are non-fiction and begin with the earliest days of St. Louis.
Gaining a glimpse into the racial tensions that have always been present in St. Louis due to its population of both free African-Americans and slaves was very thought-provoking. More enraging, but still enlightening, were the accounts of race-based violence and continual shunting aside of black citizens, and even whole black neighborhoods, by the City and region over the years. Sure, it's told from one side, but it's a side that has generally been silenced by time, and this history underlies much of the tension that exists now. A very valuable read for those interested in beginning to understand race relations in St. Louis today.
Gaining a glimpse into the racial tensions that have always been present in St. Louis due to its population of both free African-Americans and slaves was very thought-provoking. More enraging, but still enlightening, were the accounts of race-based violence and continual shunting aside of black citizens, and even whole black neighborhoods, by the City and region over the years. Sure, it's told from one side, but it's a side that has generally been silenced by time, and this history underlies much of the tension that exists now. A very valuable read for those interested in beginning to understand race relations in St. Louis today.
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