Wright Thompson's The Barn: The Secret History of a Murder in Mississippi unravels the history of trauma through the murder of Emmett Till in 1955 by using a metaphorical barn as a symbol for secrets and tragedies buried in Mississippi's Delta. He weaves a complex tapestry: …more meticulous historical research paired with personal narrative, and he delves into a far larger sphere of impact by Till's murder, focusing on the extreme racial injustices and culture of silence that allowed such crimes to continue perpetually.

Critics are raving about this book, focusing on its powerful, haunting exploration of the complex social and racial landscape in Mississippi, giving voice to the hidden histories there. Thompson details not only the tragedy but also how local and national efforts to confront these histories have evolved, making this book a tough read but simultaneously thought provoking. While readers may get mired in regional details-meaning for those not familiar with the area that is being described the details might be just a bit too minute-they also provide irreplaceable historical and cultural context to the stories of Till and his legacy.
Most readers interested in American history, civil rights, or especially the Emmett Till legacy would find The Barn informative and incredibly moving. (less)