I had a hard time putting down this book, and just as hard a time getting it out of my head when I did put it down. “The Barn” does more than tell the story of the murder of Emmitt Till, it gives historical context and present day perspective on the culture of Mississippi that allowed it to happen. More than a true crime analysis of the murder, this gives an analysis of Mississippi’s history and the racism that grew along with the cotton. If you’re into American history in general or the civil rights movements specifically, absolutely read this book.
What I also liked about this book is that it is written by somebody born and raised in the Mississippi Delta. It has the perspective of somebody who grew up around the farms and the families involved in the murder rather than from the more typical outsider/Northerner view of the South being completely racist and backwards. A compelling part of the book is Thompson’s own struggle with what he has come to know and what he grew up believing.
Apologies for not remembering to take a picture of the book before I returned it to the library, but trust me, I read it. Read it for your self by checking it out from our local library, or support my local book store.
I Think Therefore I Dad 