Book Review (including audiobook): The Eyes of Willie McGee by Alex Heard

• Synopsis
• Thoughts on the Book
• Thoughts on the Audio Production
• Overall

Title:	The Eyes of Willie McGee
Author:	Alex Heard
Publisher:	Harper Collins Publishers
Narrator:	J.D. Jackson
Production Company:	Harper Audio
Date:	2010
ISBN:	97800-61284-151
Genre:	Non-Fiction
Format:	MP3 (unabridged)
Playing Time:	14 hours
Rating:

Synopsis:

In a nutshell, and from the publisher's website, The Eyes of Willie McGee is the story of a black man convicted in 1945 of raping a white woman in Laurel, Mississippi and sentenced to death by an all-white jury who deliberated for only two-and-a-half minutes.

Considering all of the evidence, various accounts from both communities indicate that Willie McGee and Willete Hawkins were engaged in a romantic affair. Based on this fact, it becomes apparent that Troy Hawkins (Willette's husband), came home unexpectedly during one of their trysts. After Willie escaped, Willette was forced naked into the streets of Laurel to escape the wrath of her husband. But rather than suffer the embarassment of such an admission, she decided to cry, "rape." Thus began the case of Willie McGee.

The testimony of alleged victim, Willette Hawkins, includes such a ridiculous statement that I'm surprised no one questioned it.

Mrs. Hawkins said it was too dark to see the rapist’s face, but she knew he was black by the texture of his hair.

Now, I'm no expert; but I was immediately struck by the obtrusiveness of such a ridiculous claim. Willette Hawkins' background description doesn't indicate that she was a barber; and texture is not something that can be described based on sight alone. So, to substantiate her testimony, on what occasion would she have come in contact with the head of a Black man to be able to make this comparison? If the defense had asked that question, this trial could have taken a different turn. Granted, in 1950's Mississippi, the impact on Willie McGee and his family would have been the same.

Thoughts on the Book

Heard has performed extensive research in the matter of Willie McGee. His dedication to the case is quite convincing. His sincerity helped him to win the confidence of various family members and witnesses who eventually granted interviews. Heard painstakingly assembled the results of his research with the content of these interviews to challenge the trial that officially ended with the execution of Willie McGee. Yes—officially—because the facts uncovered in this book have resurrected every participant, willing or unwilling, to divulge the truth surrounding the wrongful death of Willie McGee.

I was an infant when this execution took place. Unlike other misappropriations of justice of the era, I never heard this case discussed in our home. Heard's research brought attention to other cases that have morphed into the shadows of history. As I read and listened, I made notes to review some of the other cases that were referenced.

Thoughts on the Audio Production

I enjoyed the audiobook edition. Most of the time I was aware that I was listening to a historical narrative. But, at times it seemed like I was listening to a news segment.

Jackson delivers his narration meticulously. His changes in intonation are noticeable enough to indicate the character transitions. I'm becoming used to hearing a man narrate in a woman's voice. Though my attention to it may diminish, remarking about it may just be something I'll always do. In any event, Jackson pulls it off seamlessly and with the intended effect. A lilting violin solo served as both the introduction and prologue to this magnificent audio production.

Overall

The many references to events of the Civil Rights Movement will interest the reader and/or student of African American history. Alex Heard has conducted monumental research regarding this historical case. I believe his efforts have destined him for literary distinction. With the exception of the non-fictional McGee's supporters, the comparison of his case to that of the fictional Tom Robinson of Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird rings true. Among McGee's supporters were: Josephine Baker, Albert Einstein, William Faulkner, Norman Mailer, Jessica Mitford, and Paul Robeson—all of whom spoke out on his behalf. Despite the obvious difference in genres, this book has been likened to Harper Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. I must say both cases bare resemblance with regard to the trial, the reaction of the public, and the outcome of the accused. If the timing of its release was planned to coincide with TKaM's 50th anniversary, that decision was ingenious.

I would like to thank Crazy Book Tours for the opportunity to read The Eyes of Willie McGee. Though I completed it after forwarding it to the next reader, I would still like my review to be a part of the tour. Since I plan to allow myself more time for a re-read, I anticipate amending this review at a later date.