Title: The Butler: A Witness to History
Author: Wil Haygood
First published July 30, 2013
112 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781476752990 (ISBN10: 1476752990)
Rating: 3.26
Overview
Wil Haygood’s The Butler: A Witness to History is a captivating exploration of the life of Eugene Allen, the butler who became the subject of the highly acclaimed film, Lee Daniels’ The Butler. With a cast of six Oscar winners, including Forest Whitaker, Oprah Winfrey, and Jane Fonda, the movie brought to life Eugene’s service to eight American Presidents, from Truman to Reagan.
This book not only delves into Eugene’s inspiring story, but also delves into the history of black representation in Hollywood, in a powerful essay reminiscent of James Baldwin’s work. Featuring fifty-seven pictures of Eugene, his family, the presidents he served, and the talented cast of the film, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in American history and the power of storytelling.
Editoral Review
Wil Haygood’s The Butler: A Witness to History is a moving and important work that chronicles the life of Eugene Allen, who served as the White House butler for eight presidential administrations, from Harry Truman to Ronald Reagan. Haygood, a prolific author and journalist, conducted extensive interviews with Allen over the course of several years in order to fully capture the man’s remarkable life and experiences.
Part memoir and part historical analysis, The Butler offers a fascinating look into the inner workings of the White House during some of the most tumultuous times in American history. Beginning with Allen’s humble upbringing on a Virginia plantation in the early 20th century, Haygood paints a vivid picture of racial inequality and prejudice that Allen faced throughout his life.
Despite these challenges, Allen remained dedicated to his work and eventually landed a job in the White House, where he served as a trusted confidante and friend to many of America’s most powerful leaders. Throughout the course of the book, Haygood weaves together Allen’s personal story with larger historical events, such as the Civil Rights Movement and the Vietnam War.
By combining these two narratives, Haygood is able to offer a nuanced and compelling portrait of a man who lived through some of the most significant moments in American history. One of the strengths of The Butler is Haygood’s writing style, which is both engaging and insightful.
He is able to create a sense of intimacy between Allen and the reader, allowing us to connect with him on a deep emotional level. At the same time, Haygood is able to provide historical context and analysis that helps us better understand the broader cultural and political forces at play during Allen’s life.
Another key strength of The Butler is the depth of character development that Haygood achieves throughout the book. Allen is portrayed as a complex and multifaceted individual, with flaws and virtues that make him feel like a real person rather than simply a historical figure.
Moreover, Haygood does an excellent job of demonstrating how Allen’s experiences are representative of those of many other African Americans who lived through the same era. However, the book is somewhat hindered by its pacing, which can be slow at times.
Some readers may find themselves struggling to get through certain passages, particularly those that focus on the minutiae of White House protocol or Allen’s daily routines. Additionally, while the book does an excellent job of contextualizing Allen’s experiences within the broader cultural and political landscape of the time, it could do more to connect those experiences to contemporary issues and events.
Overall, The Butler: A Witness to History is a powerful and moving book that offers a unique and important perspective on American history. Fans of memoirs and historical biographies will undoubtedly find much to appreciate in this beautifully crafted work.
However, those looking for a fast-paced, action-packed narrative may find themselves struggling at times. Ultimately, though, The Butler is an important and thought-provoking book that is well worth reading.
