The Lyncher in Me: A Search for Redemption in the Face of History (Hardcover)

by Warren Read (Author)
Key Phrases: Elmer Jackson, Louis Dondino, Saline County (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

In June 1920, in Duluth, Minnesota, a mob of over 10,000 convened upon the police station, inflamed by the rumor that black circus workers had raped a white teenage girl–charges that would later be proven false. Three men were dragged from their cells and lynched in front of the cheering crowd.


More than eighty years later, Warren Read–a fourth-grade teacher, devoted partner, and father to three boys–plugged his mother's maiden name into a computer search engine, then clicked on a link to a newspaper article that would forever alter his understanding of himself. Louis Dondino, his beloved great-grandfather, had incited the deadly riot on that dark summer night decades before.


In his poignant memoir, Read explores the perspectives of both the victims and the perpetrators of this heinous crime. He investigates the impact–the denial, anger, and alcoholism–that the long-held secret of his ancestors had on his family, calling even himself to task. Through this examination of the generations affected by one horrific night, he discovers that to fully realize ourselves we must take responsibility for "our deep-seated fears that lead us to emotional, social, or physical violence."


Warren Read is a writer who teaches elementary school on Bainbridge Island, Washington. In 2003 Duluth unveiled what remains the most significant memorial to lynching victims in the United States. Read was the final speaker of the day. Serving as a representative of his family's violent legacy, he willingly shouldered responsibility for his ancestor's actions.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Borealis Books; 1 edition (March 15, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0873516079
• ISBN-13: 978-0873516075
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #513,362 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Beautifully written, compelling story, April 11, 2008

By	twincitycindy (Saint Paul, MN) - See all my reviews

Lynchings of black Americans was a form of terrorism that existed too commonly in our country years ago. It's a legacy that still has a hold on society today and anyone who doesn't see that is fooling themselves. Read looks at the idea that the tendency to create violence--in society, within our families--is a reality that most of us could relate to. The writing in "The Lyncher in Me" is poetic and evokes stark images of dysfuntion, violence and, ultimately, redemption. The criticism that Read is "self-congratulatory" or "preachy" is absurd. I was able to hear him speak at a reading and from what I gathered upon meeting him, nothing could be further from the truth. He might be proud of what he's done, but after having heard and read about his experience, I think he's earned that right. He not only shoulders the task of trying to make amends for his family's role in the lychings, he goes above and beyond to try and put out a story for one of the victims.

The final third of the book really delves vividly into the story of Elmer Jackson (one of the men lynched--Read wasn't able to find any leads on the other two men). It's clear in reading this portion that Read has taken great pains to meticulously research and reconstruct this man's life and history, including all things related to him. It's fascinating and impressive. I'm not sure that I would have the tenacity and determination to stick with something so daunting (especially since Read apparently is not only a writer, but a school teacher and a father to three growing boys).

For those of us who come from family violence, it's a wonderful lesson in coming to terms with the humanness of those ugly parts of our family that we too often like to pretend are buried and forgotten. A beautifully written book, highly recommended.

5.0 out of 5 stars excellent, July 7, 2009

By	Marilyn L. Ames "Marie Louise" - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This was a good book. It was in good condition so it was easy to read. I came on time and I was very happy about that. Thank you.

3.0 out of 5 stars A bit slow, June 20, 2009

By	Frank "Frank D" (Wenatchee) - See all my reviews

I found this book a bit slow. I bought this book because I have always been interested in this time period and the civil rights movement. I would recommend this book.