I only read 37% of this book.
I stopped after 6 Chapers. Chapter 7 "SegregationIs Not Unchristian".
I was drawn to the book as a Methodist living in the UK.
The narrative slowly bled my heart and left my eyes full of tears. I was shocked by the realityof the rascism, its general acceptence and the insouciance of those attending chapel.
Any victory was a defeat in most any other's language and equality was less assured than going to heaven.
One wonders about the silent majoriy but also the accepted lot black people endured in their life which they brought into a worshipping congregation. I questioned if my spiritual understanding could challenge the status quo and was heartened by those who did make a stand and push against social norms with a spirit filled heart.
As I read the book, modern America, seen in news broadcasts demonstrates that black lives still did not seem to matteras much as their white neighbours. The powers of the state seemed more ready to protect white freedom than black lives.
As it is unlikely I'll return to this story; I'm reviewing what I read and felt. I do not wish to scan forward in the hope of better times and optimism in this account.
It reads like a PHD assignment and while it stimulated my mind it broke my heart and emotionally left me cold.