Description
Book SynopsisIn this poignant memoir Jane Lazarre tells the fascinating history of her father Bill, a radical activist who, as part of his tireless efforts to create a better world for his family, held leadership positions in the American Communist Party, fought in the Spanish Civil War, and organized labor unions.
Trade Review"Reflective and intelligent, her narrative not only chronicles the life of a complex man; it also celebrates the power of memory and love. A poignantly lyrical memoir of family and politics." * Kirkus Reviews *
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The Communist and the Communist’s Daughter tells the story of a family, of the struggle between old and new homelands, and of a man trying to balance his idealism with a reality that falls short of it." -- Jeff Fleischer * Foreword Reviews *
"[A] collection of materials, insights, incidents, and imagery formed into a brilliant whole by Jane Lazarre's skill and patience. It ought to be a classic of twentieth century American life." -- Meredith Sue Willis * Books for Readers *
"This is a memoir rich in intelligent reflection of an aspect of US political history that receives little airing. It's an elegantly written and moving account." -- John Green * Morning Star *
"Jane Lazare has written a fascinating, intensely personal book about history, family, and the Communist Party in the United States." -- Esther Cohen * Monthly Review *
"Making an account of one's self through memoir is hard enough, why would anyone want to tackle combining their own with that of another's? Lazarre does so to pay tribute to her father, to show herself and the world his noble intentions even though he was a flawed human being, as we all are. Ultimately, she has learned through the writing, he is so much a part of her, and she a part of him, whether that's in their living or their passing on." -- Tomie Anne Bitton * American Book Review *
"This is one of those books that deserves many audiences. And for that I am grateful, as I believe its appeal, like that of Lazarre’s earlier memoirs, makes an important contribution to understanding aspects of American history and social consciousness that are not explored nearly enough." -- Emily E. LB. Twarog * Labor *
Table of ContentsAuthor's Note ix
Acknowledgments xi
Prologue 1
Part I. Beginnings
Chapter 1 11
Chapter 2 18
Part II. An American
Chapter 3 27
Chapter 4 34
Part III. Spain
Chapter 5 55
Chapter 6 58
Chapter 7 60
Chapter 8 74
Chapter 9 77
Part IV. A Bad Wind
Chapter 10 95
Chapter 11 101
Chapter 12 105
Chapter 13 110
Chapter 14 122
Chapter 15 125
Part V. The Un-Americans
Chapter 16 131
Chapter 17 138
Chapter 18 150
Part VI. The Mutilated World
Chapter 19 161
Chapter 20 172
Part VII. Endings
Chapter 21 189
Chapter 22 196
Chapter 23 202
Epilogue 205
Notes 211
