“The conundrum of history is that we think it is behind us. But if it came first, doesn’t that mean it should be up ahead, turning back now and again to see if we are keeping up?”
Beautiful writing and constructions mark Tracy K. Smith's "To Free the Captives: A Plea for the American Soul." A poet by trade -- she was the United States Poet Laureate from 2017-19 -- this work serves as a memoir and commentary on the national role of race.
“For my parents and their kin, born into a nation intent upon their diminishment and inured to their dying, the soul started out from unblinking eyes with the assurance of continuance. I matter, it said. Never mind what you attempt, I will last.”
The book is at its best when the author is not the central character and instead focuses on her family and the search for more information about their experiences and challenges. However, some complaints feel iffy or forced, which may undermine the power of some of the author's arguments for some readers.
Although relatively short, the book is both powerful and thought-provoking. To be sure, "To Free the Captives" brings an emotional punch that resonates long after the reading is done.
“But freedom isn’t a thing to be held or hoarded; its purpose is to be passed forward, given away. Freedom is an impossibility in places where the most one is encouraged to seek and guard jealously is power, permission, authority. Freedom is held captive in places like these.”
No comments:
Post a Comment