Critical Analysis of Janice S. Ellis’ from Liberty to Magnolia

Introduction

According to the Collins Dictionary, if someone or somebody inspires you, they give you new ideas and a strong feeling of enthusiasm. Inspire comes from the Latin word that means to inflame. In my opinion, I feel that this word has been weakened and cheapened because it has been overused so many times. But after reading Janice S. Ellis' From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search Of The American Dream, this common word has gained back its true value. This book opens up in strictly segregated Mississippi, between the towns Magnolia and Liberty, and is an unapologetic, raw account of the life and obstacles of Janice S. Ellis as she tries to pave her way through the bubbling racial tensions of 1960s America.

The Struggle of Identity

“I have lived the chicken-egg conundrum. Which comes first? Am I black and then woman? Am I woman and then black?” Growing up in the height of the Civil Rights Movement and the Women’s Liberation Movement, we see the struggles Janice S. Ellis faced as a double minority, being the constant target of both racism and sexism. But despite her social disadvantages, Janice persevered, taking her rightful place at the University of Wisconsin, walking away proudly with a PhD and securing her very own glittering future. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the face of adversity.

Analysis and Themes

Honestly, this is the hardest review I have ever written because there is so much to talk about. Let’s proceed. The book is neatly divided into two parts, both consisting of 5 chapters each. In the first part, Finding My Purpose, we learn at the start of the book that the author was born and raised on her father’s farm. She explains through an array of selected childhood stories, the hardships of farm life and growing up in a large family, with little money to be shared. What I love about this part of the book is that it not only gives the reader insight into the socially acceptable racial and sexist segregation at the time but also provides a vivid picture of what life was like living on the sidelines. Janice S. Ellis dreamed of a life outside the farm and wanted to venture out into the big wide world; she wanted to escape. “I dreamed to escape the loneliness, the isolation, the fear of living and dying all within a few miles of my father’s farm.” This poignant passage reminded me of the classic Steinbeck novel, Of Mice and Men. Themes of loneliness, escapism, and the fight for the star-spangled American dream are explored throughout this book. The reader also learns about favoritism in the classroom. For example, Mrs. Bolgers, her grade school teacher, shamefully criticized her students unless they showered her with gifts. And the author’s teenage crush on her high school teacher, Mr. Nichols, could've ended in a scandal hadn't it been for her maturity. So, you see, in this all-encompassing memoir, Janice S. Ellis candidly explains the other hardships she also had to suffer. Good heavens! The poor woman even suffered abuse within her marriage and the drudgery of being a single parent. Talk about endurance and insane willpower!

A Historical Perspective

Furthermore, this book is not just an autobiography. It is a thought-provoking history lesson. As a young mixed-race British woman (my grandparents were part of the Windrush Generation), I have always taken an interest in learning about the racism and resistance that existed in my own country, as well as the United States. But there is a massive difference between reading a textbook and an eye-opening first-hand account, such as this one. From a first-person perspective, it is much more haunting. The author plunges into dark detail about growing up in fear, with murder just around the corner every day and the Ku Klux Klan “riding horses in their ghostly white robes.” Thankfully, there are some lighter moments dotted amongst the book, such as the childhood pranks, the good ole southern wise-cracks between siblings, and the racy conversations involving relationships.

Overcoming Adversity

This brings me to the second part of the book, Fulfilling My Purpose, which sees the definitive shift of the author as she soars to greater heights while still tackling personal troubles. Janice S. Ellis established several self-made businesses, agencies, and companies straight from university. Despite possessing this sharp acumen, she still found herself tangled in the thorny web of racism and sexism. She was knocked back. She was denied a promotion. And she stayed in a loveless marriage (until she divorced) because, unfortunately, this was expected of women at that time, especially if children were involved. At the end of the book, what left me absolutely speechless was the author’s unwavering resilience. Her spirits were never dampened! Janice S. Ellis has every single right to feel bitter, resentful, and full of self-pity, but she handled this book with such poise and elegant grace. She has not chosen to use this book as an opportunity to lash out and beg the reader for sympathy (although she gains my full sympathy). She has written this book to educate, inform, and inspire the reader.

Conclusion

In terms of identifying the demographic audience, I feel this book appeals to anybody who wants to uncover the harsh truth behind 1960s America. Indeed, the colorful billboards and Hollywood films promoted a country of glamour, yet it was anything but glamorous for minorities at the time. Minorities from that era will be able to relate to this book straight away. For other readers, it may be something of a bitter pill to swallow. And even though this book is set in the mid-20th century, the message is still relevant today. Despite our progression as a more empathetic, socially accepting human race, we still have a long way to go. Movements such as Black Lives Matter campaign against racism and violence, proving that discrimination is very much still alive.

Critique

Moving onto my dislikes. As much as I loved the childhood section, it was a little bit confusing at times due to the lack of chronological order. It jumped from the author's teenage years to her pre-teenage years and to her adult days. The stories seemed to be selected at random, so it was quite difficult to follow the flow of the narrative. On top of that, another confusing factor was how her mother’s memories clashed with her own. The author’s voice seemed lost at times amongst her other siblings. Also, some parts of the book seemed to wander off-topic. For example, there was a lengthy section about the author’s love of flowers and a description of her garden. In addition, I only found two spelling mistakes - both the same word. All this book needs a little structural refinement. With the backing and touch of a professional editor, this beautifully poetic, articulate read would be perfect.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search of the American Dream, without question, deserves a rating of 4 out of 4 stars. Even though there was some confusion with the order of the story in the beginning, the message completely outweighs these minor faults. The story of Janice S. Ellis shows us that regardless of your race, religion, gender, or background, you can always triumph over life's injustices. This book is tragic, shocking, and simply inspiring; a true emotional rollercoaster.

References

1. Ellis, J. S. (2018). From Liberty to Magnolia: In Search Of The American Dream. Mill City Press.
2. Collins Dictionary. (n.d.). Inspire definition and meaning. Retrieved from https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/inspire
3. Steinbeck, J. (1937). Of Mice and Men. Covici Friede.
4. Black Lives Matter. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://blacklivesmatter.com/