In the memoir, The Rat That Got Away", by Allen Jones, with Mark Naison, I experienced one of the most remarkable and powerfully written stories I've ever had the privilege of reading. From beginning to end, this book captures what is undoubtedly one of the most inspiring narratives ever penned. Where to even begin...
Dispelling the widely held notions of the South Bronx as some sort of lawless outpost, Mr. Jones describes the experience of growing up in a working class community filled with role models, caring teachers, supportive adults, stern yet loving parents, and a neighborhood which was as racially and ethnically diverse as it was vibrant.
As Mr. Jones writes about the characters that shaped his early years, we see the richness of his experiences through figures that are multi-dimensional and compelling in their own right. A father who administers swift and harsh punishment while constantly pushing his son to stay away from forces he himself is drawn to. A mother whose warmth of heart and unswerving loyalty to her son, at times blinding her to his numerous transgressions. Siblings who deal with the pressures brought about by urban decay in their own unique way. Dealers who inflict harm upon those who cross them and yet contribute both monetarily and in other intangible ways to the community they operate in. Nothing is presented as one dimensional, and none of the characters we read about are romanticized or demonized. Rather, they are portrayed as real people, struggling to survive in a world which steadily collapses around them.
From the moment I picked up this book, until the final sentence, I found it nearly impossible to put down. In spite of having completely different life experiences, the depth of this story is such that there were moments when I found myself connecting to what I think is one of the most profound messages that comes from this memoir: namely, the fact that no matter how much darkness we find ourselves surrounded by, whether at our own hands or those of another, there is always a moment when we have the choice, or the chance to turn away, and to draw upon some intangible force that can move us in an opposite direction.
As with any book that has ever stolen my heart, there is always a moment, a line, that brings me to the sudden awareness that I am completely hooked. So it was, when I came across the following passage:
"...as I was being led out of the courtroom, my hands cuffed behind my back, I heard a voice that froze my heart. My mother cried out, `Dear God, please don't take my son away!".
In this lone passage, Mr. Jones managed to affect me in a way that few pieces of literature have. The universality of a loving mother who, when faced with the prospect of losing her son, cried out for someone, anyone to hear her plea struck a chord that I think would affect anyone who has ever been moved by the written word.
The memoir progresses alongside historical events that come to life in the face and actions of both an individual and an entire community. The assassination of JFK. The rise of the Black Power movement. The Vietnam War. The scourge of heroin and the crack epidemic. The loss of blue collar jobs and the flight of working class whites from urban neighborhoods like the ones Mr. Jones grew up in are all given a human face.
One of the most striking elements of this memoir is the humility and courage that pours from each line. It never resorts to being preachy or condescending towards others who may not have `made it' in the way that Mr. Jones ultimately does. In fact, we see a story of someone who credits his difficult upbringing and never tries to shy away from who he is and the lessons that the streets taught him. Mr. Jones is able to clearly recognize the strengths he gained from his upbringing, while acknowledging that he had to ultimately leave the very environment he found himself nearly consumed by.
As someone who has spent more than twenty years working with at risk youth from tough urban environments, this book should be read by any young man or woman who finds themselves lost and without a compass. It should be read by every educator who cares about young people in such circumstances. This story should be read by any public figure who is interested in gaining a better understanding of the rich and nuanced history of urban life and it should be read by any policy maker whose decisions will have an impact on inner city neighborhoods anywhere in America. Truth be known, it should be read by anyone who loves the written word, and is moved by the transformative power of personal testimony.
My sincerest congratulations to Mr. Jones for sharing this courageous, beautifully written and enormously compelling story and to Dr. Mark Naison whose love of history and words helped make this book possible.
With sincere admiration and respect,
Victor Gunsalus
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