(ThyBlackMan.com) There are stories that seem to be mainstream…person is lost on a journey for some measure of redemption, vengeance or longing. However, there are very few books I have come across set against a western background that address the social ills of the time vividly. Mystery seems to be woven into the fabric of this story and the reader will wonder about certain aspects of the characters person until it unfolds. This coupled with honesty, and hope make “All Man’s Land by D. Làszlò Cohaim an interesting, and captivating read.
Inspired by the music, and life, of Paul Roberson D. Làszlò Cohaim tells a mysterious story about a peculiar black man that the reader may come to love, but has to respect, and his journey which seems to be plagued by vengeance and redemption. It is set in the post Civil War West, and as the reader gets to know the focal character one is left to question many things about the plight of African-Americans post the war. They also get a small glimpse into the mind the viewpoint of some white men that came from families that owned slaves. Some of them seem to make it a point to fell the situation of the enslaved black was not their fault while not acknowledging their plight as slaves. I appreciate that this problem is addressed in the text as the black character makes it known he was not a “worker”. The author does not shy away from the ugliness of racism throughout the story. However, the narrative reminds the reader that the most unlikely of relationships can form even in spaces whereby they should not exist.
The dynamic between the Black man and Jewish man is of importance especially given the narrative of strife between these groups. There is space in the story that shows blacks and whites could come together to battle racism, but it will require white people do the uncomfortable thing…take a stance against their own. Seeing the humanity in another person was a meaningful sub-theme in the story. There is a discussion about military service that is of importance. It is one of should black people serve in the military of a nation that disenfranchises them. This was a serious discussion among scholars in the time setting of this narrative. Honestly, this is a discussion some black people still engage to this day.
I did not want to give away any spoilers regarding this book; I believe it was such a good and meaningful story that needs to be read. We are battling, still, with many of the themes addressed in this book. It is clear that D. Làszlò Chohaim was influences by Paul Roberson, and his spirit of activism is found in the book. It can be felt through the main character, and how he responds to the racism, his use of music, and the problem he faces with travel. This influence makes the story profound, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’m working on my second read of the book, and I feel it would make a reader want to know more about the life of Paul Roberson, and his stances on racism. It is a book that should be read in classrooms and community book clubs.
It is one to add to the discussion of race relations as this country should be “All Man’s Land”.
“All Man’s Land” by D. Làszlò Conhaim can be purchased on Amazon, or wherever books are sold.
Staff Writer; Christian Starr
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