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(More customer reviews)I came to this book from references made to the song in "Without Sanctuary". I also recall references in "The Debt", and "The Unsteady March".
The title of this review only reflects a need to absorb what I have read, and also to take a pause. This subject is so grim it almost defies imagining. Even the song "Strange Fruit" stops everything when it is sung, causes controversy to this day, and has only been attempted by a handful of singers in it's 60 year history.
Mr. Margolick imparts a great deal of information in what is a brief work. It cannot be complete, but it is outstanding for what he does shed light on. Ms. Holliday had a very complex and tragic life, but was certainly loved by virtually all who knew her. She died quite young and the causes are all there for the reader to measure.
There is always some bit of fascinating human irony that comes with a story such as this. The quote that follows is from the book.
"Khallil Abdul Muhammad, Louis Farrakhan's notoriously anti-Semitic disciple and maestro of the "Million Man March", has quoted it (the song) in his speeches assailing American racism-unaware, apparently, that the song was written by a white Jewish school-teacher from New York City".
I mean no offense to anyone by highlighting that quote. For me it is another example of the root causes of the racial problems we face. We fear what we don't know, and we often don't take the time to learn the truth, and prevent our fear.
A great book, should be a part of your Civil Rights library and all libraries for that matter.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Strange Fruit: Billie Holiday, Cafe Society, And An Early Cry For Civil Rights
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