Customer Reviews

The Union of Their Dreams: Power, Hope, and Struggle in Cesar Chavez's Farm Worker Movement

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I worked with Chavez in the early years -- around '62 and '63 and was no longer there when the events described in this book took place. The book is well-written and engaging, perhaps more so for me, as I knew many of these people. I appreciate having this information, but it makes me terribly sad that our idealistic movement went so far wrong, that our efforts to improve the lives of farm workers were becoming so successful when they were so badly undermined by the man who had been responsible for so much good

With the humanity and rigor of Studs Terkel and Lincoln Steffens, The Union of Their Dreams tells a more revealing and nuanced story than any more traditional history of this important 20th century movement could have done. The author has perfect pitch in her choice and treatment of the characters through whose remarkable experiences the story is told. Though sad in some ways, it actually inspires and affirms hope for the future of farm worker organizing while at the same time giving an exciting behind-the-scenes accounts of past successes and failures, and the lessons both taught.

This well written, thought provoking history brings the events of the time to life in a way that allows the reader to participate. Through the accessible style of the author, we share in the triumphs and travails of the very real people who devoted their time and energy to the founding and growth of the UFW. It is clear that Ms. Pawel has thoroughly researched and brought a fascinating perspective to the subject; one does not have to be an historian to thoroughly appreciate this book.

For all of us baby boomers who remember the grape and lettuce boycotts, this was a fascinating behind-the-scenes story about what was going on during those times. I was hooked on the characters and finding out what happened to them and how the story ended. I recommend this book for people interested in social change and community organizing. It's a fast read, poignant, inspiring and sad all at once.

Miriam Pawel deftly captures the wild tapestry of movement politics and the transition to farm worker unionization in The Union of Their Dreams. The story begins in the mid-1960s in the grape fields of the San Joaquin Valley in California. There is no Internet, no email, no cell phones. The Vietnam anti-war movement is going national with the march on Washington in the spring of 1965. The Watts riots took place in the summer of 1965.

Pawel presents the stories of individuals who were involved with beginnings of the United Farm Workers union (UFW). Her writing style is engaging, the narrative moves along quickly. Pawel's journalism background comes through with endnotes that are source notes.

The heady enthusiasm and devotion of the early activists is abundantly evident in this book. In the late 1970s when the UFW shifted direction, the disillusionment of these individuals is understandable and sad. Some individuals stayed with the union for decades. It is hard to estimate how many young people were touched and influenced by this particular movement. In the Epilogue updates are provided for some of early organizers. Many are still working for social justice.

Union of Their Dreams is particularly relevant today. While the social and political unrest today pales in comparison to the 60s and 70s, it is a time for movement politics. Individuals who did not experience the antiwar and social justice movements of the past, will learn a lot from this book. Despite the advances in communications technology, they are no replacement for commitment, struggle, or having "fire in the belly."

Students of movement politics and union politics will find much to cogitate in this book. Lettuce boycotters of the 1970s will get a glimpse of goings-on behind the scenes, not all of it pretty. Pawel displays the essence of those times in her dedication: "For those who believe they can change the world." This book is a worthwhile addition to the history of the UFW.

This book tells the story of Cesar Chavez and the UFW through the personal stories of some of the lesser-known people involved. While the book describes the UFW's well-known successes, it also spends a lot of time on what the author clearly sees as the failure to follow up on these successes, the internal chaos that both caused and resulted from this failure, and the near-collapse of the UFW.

Before reading the book, I was only familiar in vague outline with Chavez and the UFW, so it's hard for me to analyze the accuracy of the portrayal. But the book, which tells its story chiefly through the interwoven stories of a number of less-well-known UFW activists, makes its argument clearly and compellingly, and left me wanting to know more.

Using a dizzying array of new sources, Pawal produces a really well written, and powerful book, de-constructing the conventional image of cesar chavez.