Highly esteemed history professor, author and editor, Kevin Boyle was presented with the National Book Award for this stunning literary achievement. Arc of Justice artfully captures a tumultuous period in American history as it tells a shocking story of violence and racial strife. The grandson of a slave, Dr. Ossian Sweet moved his family to an all-white Detroit neighborhood in 1925. When his neighbors attempted to drive him out, Sweet defended himself-resulting in the death of a white man and a murder trial for Sweet. There followed one of the most important (and shockingly unknown) cases in Civil Rights history. Also caught up in the intense courtroom drama were legal giant Clarence Darrow and the newly formed National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Boyle's captivating book is nonfiction at its most engaging. With its eye-opening insight into Jazz Age race relations, this important work is indispensable reading for all Americans. "... an amazing and unforgettable story of prejudice and justice at the dawn of America's racial awakening."-David Maraniss, best-selling author and Pulitzer Prize winner
Download and start listening now!
"Must reading for Detroiters to understand the roots of race conflict in Detroit and other Midwestern U.S. Cities. Half the book is about a black doctor trying to find housing for his family outside the "Black Bottom" area. The second half tells about the trial for murder, with colorful representation by Clarence Darrow. A great read."
— Dennis (5 out of 5 stars)
" Everyone who has lived in Michigan should read this book. Boyle does a great job providing lots of details in an interesting way. Highly recommend audio too! "
— Shaunna, 2/8/2014" To me, the book started out very intense in the firs chapter. Then it went to history. I understood one chapter of history but three chapters later, all I'd read since that first chapter had been history and I was sick of it. I wanted to get back to the plot with Ossian. Finally, in chapter six, they added onto what we'd learned in the first chapter. But then, they went back to history. And this time, it was the history of the people that were the lawyers or judges of the trial that was going to be taking place. I found those chapters incredibly boring. Chapter nine though, I finally began to get into the book. The last two chapters were very nice and interesting to read. However, if this had not been a book I had to read for school, I would never have read it. "
— Rachel, 2/4/2014" Would like to give this a 3 based on the overall book, a 4 based on the epilog. Amazing, well-written, true story of Ossian (pronounced ocean) Sweet's life, racism in the 1920's in Detroit, civil rights, murder, KKK, and more. Once again, truth is stranger than fiction. We would never believe the paths the "characters" lives took in the story and would think an author was being far-fetched in the story if it wasn't true. A bit challenging to read, but worth it. "
— Denise, 2/3/2014" If you thought the struggle for civil rights started with Rosa Parks, you need to read this book. It is the Great Michigan Read selection, chosen by the Michigan Humanities Council. Highly readable, describes Detroit history I never knew. And explains why the fight is not over. "
— Joanne, 1/26/2014" An incredible book of history. Very human. "
— Paola, 1/21/2014" This is a great book. But I could only give it three stars because it provides a lot of history of Detroit, which is great and really interesting, but can get kind of heavy. Its interesting to read a book with Clarence Darrow that isn't the evolution case. I'd recommend it, but not for beach reading. "
— Claire, 1/16/2014" Hunter Labovitz loaned me a copy of this when I was his law clerk at PDSDC during the summer of 2005. What an incredible story filled with many fascinating people such as Walter White and Clarence Darrow. "
— My, 1/15/2014" A non-fiction book set in the 1960s in Detroit, MI. Very sad story. It opened my eyes to the state of our nation during this time. Lots of great quotes in the book. "
— Blesie, 1/7/2014" Slow start but Gooooood! "
— Michelle, 1/2/2014" This author really brings you into the action - I was so invested in this story! "
— Brandelyn, 12/26/2013" A comprehensive documentation of the Ossian Sweet case that looks to me like the final word on the subject. "
— Mark, 11/4/2013" Very interesting to learn the history of African Americans in the area in which I now live. "
— Nanette, 10/31/2013" Found the ending rather upsetting. Good story. A little dry. Seemed very factual though. "
— Cdoefer, 6/11/2013" It was excellent. I was hesitated and intimidating by the subject. It took me a while for sure. The history background of the African American movement was very clear and tie into rhythm of the story. It make the story more powerful and hunting.... Thank you Ed. "
— Chiuho, 12/27/2012" Really intersting story of racial injustice in early Detroit - touches on black culture and history around the turn of the century as well as some historical inequality in the housing market and the early years of the NAACP "
— Susan, 6/3/2012" Really well-written and fascinating. And important. I learned a lot. It's just not a page turner. "
— Kim, 4/28/2012" Vivid and fascinating look at racism and race relations in America through the lens of a particular incident in 1927 Detroit. The author's compassion for the subjects, and the details and context of the story make this a truly compelling read. "
— Sara, 11/22/2011" A wonderful history book that reads like the greatest episode of "Law & Order" ever written (compliment). "
— Paul, 8/25/2011" Great history of Jim Crow and prejudice. Very detailed. A great history read. "
— Eileen, 5/30/2011" One of the best books I have ever read. about the history of civil rights,the legal system and the soul of America. It is a gripping, page turner that really puts you there during this really scary period not too long ago. Zenophobia never changes. "
— Steven, 5/28/2011" A wonderful history book that reads like the greatest episode of "Law & Order" ever written (compliment). "
— Paul, 4/25/2011" A resounding 4, possibly to be revised to a 5 depending on how much it sticks with me. It took me a while to get through this but the author wrapped it up powerfully (IMHO). "
— Nat, 2/28/2011" One of the best academic-quality history books ... ever! Compelling and incredibly well written. "
— Greg, 2/7/2011" This book was a very poignant story of the trial of Ossian Sweet- an African American doctor who tried to buy a house in an all white neighborhood in Detroit during the 1920's. This book really opened my eyes to the dark history that is often overlooked when we think of the 1920's. "
— Karyn, 1/16/2011" Award winning research about the civil rights development in the US. "
— Miquixote, 12/16/2010" Though I am still reading this I find it; <br/>A powerful book on race relations that shows us where we were, in some instances still are and hopefully helps one recognize how far we still have to go! "
— Tricia, 8/10/2010" It was excellent. I was hesitated and intimidating by the subject. It took me a while for sure. The history background of the African American movement was very clear and tie into rhythm of the story. It make the story more powerful and hunting.... Thank you Ed. <br/> "
— Chiuho, 5/17/2010" Very interesting to learn the history of African Americans in the area in which I now live. "
— Nanette, 4/30/2010Lizan Mitchell has won the prestigious Audie Award for best narration as well as nine Earphones Awards. She appears frequently on episodic television and more recently in the feature film The Human Stain.