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40th out of 79 books
—
7 voters
Brother to a Dragonfly
"An extraordinary document, an altogether candid record of personal suffering and fulfillment". -- Walker Percy"Brotherhood has seldom been so beautifully portrayed". -- The New York Times Book Review
Paperback, 268 pages
Published
April 1st 1980
by Continuum
(first published 1977)
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Honest portraiture of close brothers evolving as human beings (and as poor white Southerners) during the early years of the Civil Rights Movement; as a poor white and a Baptist, Campbell occupies a different space than that of more prominent Southern writers "of faith" (Flannery O'Connor, Walker Percy), or writers faith in general -- but he's more a straight-up preacher, remarkable in his life and thought, and not as a literary light(I admit, some of the writing and use of metaphor here is belab...more
I read this once before, many years ago. And I had the author sign my book about 10 years ago. He is a legend in southern civil rights work. It was time to read it again. And as with other books I've reread, I remembered hardly anything except a certain feeling. But this one I was glad I reread. The story of Will and his brother Joe (the dragonfly) holds the reader's attention, but the theological moral comes near the end. Campbell learns/decides that everyone is a bastard, and God loves everyon...more
The author is a Baptist minister from Mississippi, who writes about his Brother Joe's life and death and his own work in the Civil Rights Movement. I was amazed by Campbell's writing and his philosphies. He advocates that "grace", not law, is the key to heaven (I agree) and made some amazing, unapologetic comparisons of the KKK to white and black people involved with the Civil Right Movement--both categories being firm believers in their respective causes and victims of their dirt poor upbringin...more
Jan 16, 2008
Nan The Great
rated it
3 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
History buffs
Recommended to Nan by:
Jimmy Carter
I found this book in a "Friends of the East Atlanta Book Sale" cart for $1. I grabbed it because the forward by Jimmy Carter promised a poignant look at the south from the depression through the Civil Rights era. Those of you who know me will note that this is one of my favorite topics.
I am working my way through and it has proven to be a raw and very sad look at life during a time of extreme turmoil and confusion for southern people. The authors stories even sound somewhat familiar to me having...more
I am working my way through and it has proven to be a raw and very sad look at life during a time of extreme turmoil and confusion for southern people. The authors stories even sound somewhat familiar to me having...more
I enjoyed the presentation. This book was written about a time and region I have lived in. But I think it is not a condemnation, as are so many, but it is an encouragement. The personal story is touching, and familiar. There is much wisdom, and hope.
One of my all-time favorites. This book hit my heart and forever changed my perspective on the American civil rights movement and the enduring problem of racism in our country and culture.
Jan 07, 2013
Laura Heller
marked it as to-read
I read this while in college for a class in Southern Studies. It left a great impression on me, but 14-15 years later I desire to reread it. That's how good it is.
Another brilliant, life-changing book that far too few have read. Contains one of my favorite lines in literature: "We're all bastards, but God loves us anyway."
my most favorite book. a hopeful, kind look at our future without being too sentimental. loved it
My all time favorite. Will Campbell is an incredible writer.
Jan 22, 2013
Marla Glenn
added it
this is another book from my childhood that I must reread!
Compelling read and very engrossing story. Will Campbell is a good storyteller.
Outstanding.
A captivating, heartwarming (and heartbreaking) autobiographical reflection on the early life of the bootleg preacher Will Campbell, who grew up poor in Amite County, Mississippi, and became a notable, vocal supporter of civil rights when it was dangerous for him. A fine reflection on growing up in the rural south, this book was a finalist for the 1978 National Book Award.
I accidentally picked this book up in 1981 on a sale table at a bookstore. I started reading it an could not put it down. Will Campbell visited me in my home several years ago. I live close to Amite County and he had read an article I had written on the Iraq War. He just wanted to come by and meet me. How honored I was. He was so down to earth.
this book was interesting...and i believe it helped having people to interact and discuss the book. campbell laid out the facts, and would have you laughing one minute and crying the next. perhaps the greatest lesson was his 10-word definition of Christianity...and what it means to be family.
I wonder what Baptist would take seriously Campbell's stance re: separation of church and state as it relates to marriage? Further, what if that same argument was applied to the current hot topic of civil unions? Render unto Caesar what is Caesar's and unto God what is God's . . . hmmm.
I like that Will Campbell sums up the gospel: "We are all bastards but God loves us anyway." And I got to meet him in his writing cabin!
This was a good book about Will Campbell's life in the South at the beginning of the 20th Century. I think I would have enjoyed it more if I were more familiar with the times, especially the Civil Rights Protests that he was a part of.
This is perhaps one of the most powerful books I have ever read. It is a difficult read about the civil rights movement, the drug addiction of a loved one, and the integrity of one's convictions.
Moving account of life during the civil rights struggle. Campbell is a marvelous writer and tells a gripping story of he and his brother during this turbulent time in our nation's history.
this was required reading at Clemson. I loved the book. one of the few that I kept. I read it several times and I think it affects my creative writing.
IF YOU READ THIS BOOK YOU WILL NOT SOON FORGET IT! (IF I WERE A UNITED METHODIST BISHOP, I'D REQUIRE ALL ORDINATION CANDIDATES TO READ THIS BOOK!)
Sentimental. Southern. Kinda good.
Apr 17, 2008
Sam
marked it as to-read
Recommened by Bill K.
Jun 19, 2013
Dianne Davidson
marked it as to-read
Jun 19, 2013
Greg
marked it as to-read
Jun 19, 2013
Kathleen Hignight
marked it as to-read
Jun 18, 2013
Pam
added it
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