Charlottesville

In this compelling narrative, Pulitzer Prize finalist Deborah Baker explores the violent events surrounding the 2017 white supremacist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, where neo-Nazis and other extremist groups clashed with activists, culminating in a tragic death and injuries. Rather than focusing solely on the far-right leaders, Baker sheds light on the warnings of local clergy, activists, and officials who recognized the gathering threat, yet found their concerns ignored. Through a thorough examination of American history, she draws parallels to past incidents, revealing how a city emblematic of Thomas Jefferson became a battleground in ongoing struggles over the nation's foundational myths.