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Title: A Murder in Virginia: Southern Justice on Trial by Suzanne Lebsock ISBN: 0-393-04201-4 Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company Pub. Date: March, 2003 Format: Hardcover Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $26.95

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Average Customer Rating: 4 (2 reviews)

Rating: 4
Summary: (Almost) reads like fiction
Comment: This is a compelling, often surprising, book about the murder of a white woman in Virginia near the turn of the 20th century. Compelling because it sometimes has the suspense of a mystery, and surprising for the courageous actions it depicts about people black AND white.

One of the suspects in the case, "Pokey" Barnes, was a particularly intriguing character. Ms. Barnes informed a white woman (in Virginia in 1895!) that, "I walk where I please," and acted in her own defense for part of her trial proceedings.

But that shouldn't stop anyone from reading this comprehensively researched book. Indeed, the author's near-obsession with the case is infectious.

Rating: 4
Summary: A True Story - But How True is It?
Comment: First and foremost - this is a fascinating book. The author's research is phenomenal. Furthermore, the book is very readable.

Here's my problem: There are two ways that one can describe events that happened in the past. The most objective way is to simply tell the people what happened based upon the facts.

The second way leads to a better story, but it results in a question of credibility of what is being said. This second method is to enhance the story by use of adjectives and other techniques. An example: "By the scant light of a crescent moon they kept moving, splashing through creeks and stumbling over roots, ducking into the brush whenever they thought they heard voices."

My problem with the preceding sentence (not necessarily a problem for others) is that it is highly unlikely that this trip has been described this specifically in any documents. Therefore, if the author is making up minor details to make the book more readable, how does the reader distinguish between fact and fiction?

Just one more example: "Enter Captain Frank Cunningham. Major Derbyshire war the regiment's commander, but Captain Frank was its impressario, the master of morale, the chieftan of charm. Broad-shouldered and tall, the captain cut an impressive figure."
I believe that this description is excessive and unnecesary.

BUT, as I said at the beginning, this is a fascinating story and well-worth reading.

END

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