LIKE JUDGMENT DAY, The Ruin and Redemption of a Town Called Rosewood (Movie Tie-In to ROSEWOOD) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

On New Year's Day 1923, a mob of white men descended on Rosewood, Florida, to avenge an act that was only rumored to be true. The mob burned houses, killed many black men and women, and drove the rest of the small town's inhabitants away forever. This book contains the complete text of Like Judgment Day, Michael D'Orso's historical account of the Rosewood massacre, and An Essay on Rosewood by John Singleton, who directed the film Rosewood. With skillful storytelling and the detailed eye of an historian, D'Orso relates this gripping tale of a dark moment in America's history. Singleton's essay helps underscore the aftermath of this tragedy, which is evidenced in the ruined lives and shattered dreams of the people of Rosewood. It is a powerful story of ruin and redemption that still resonates more than half a century later.

Product Details

• Paperback: 373 pages
• Publisher: Berkley Publishing (December 1, 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1572972564
• ISBN-13: 978-1572972568
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #451,232 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Racism and cover-up in a small Florida town, November 14, 1998

By A Customer

A sad but true story about massacre and cover-up, unfortunately close to home, is told in Michael D'Orso's Like Judgment Day. D'Orso, a journalist, tells the story of Rosewood, Florida, a small, black, paper mill town that was basically wiped off the map when white vigilantes believed that a black man from Rosewood had raped a white woman. D'Orso makes clear that, at the time Rosewood was occurring, it was national news, appearing in the New York Times and elsewhere, yet Florida law enforcement personnel simply stood by and allowed the carnage to continue. D'Orso basically tells two stories: First, the massacre itself, as recounted in both contemporary sources and in the memories of octogenarian and nonagenarian witnesses in the 1980s. Second, he tells of successful efforts to bring a claims bill through the Florida legislature to compensate, however meagerly, the survivors and their descendants. This is not a portion of our past for which we should have any pride; however, the story must be told so that, if at all possible, this history does not repeat itself.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping and moving saga of hate, love and redemption, January 21, 1998

By	[e-mail] (Los Angeles, CA) - See all my reviews

I found this book to be extraordinarily well researched and compelling. D'Orso's journalism background came through in his skillful account and analysis of the historical events of Rosewood, Florida in 1923. He carefully separates fact from and myth and weaves a narrative full of drama, suspense, and inspiration. A must read.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kept me interested from the first page, April 2, 2003

By	Diana H. "Diana" (Cali) - See all my reviews

This book is incredible. The way the writer takes us to the history of Rosewood from present day investigation to lawsuit. The background of this predominantly black community and the climate of the south in the early part of the last century are detailed thru newspaper articles and recollections of the survivors. This is definitely not for the sensitive, there are stories that will make your skin crawl. It's an important piece regardless, a book we all should read. The ending is positive and the Rosewood survivors are inspirational. Arnell Doctor, the man that investigated his mother's family all the way to the town that was obliviated from the map of America is an enduring and brave person you'll grow to admire as you read.