DECEMBER 2022:
“Hate put me in PRISON, love’s gonna bust me out”
– Rubin “Hurricane” Carter
FROM BOXER TO BOOKS…
The Hurricane was released in 1999 and starred Denzel Washington and was inspired by the events of two books centered around the boxing career, murder trials, the convictions along with appeals, and the eventual release by Habeas Corpus of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter. So, for this recommendation, I will discuss the two books that the 1999 film directed by Norman Jewison was adapted from, The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472, which is the autobiography written by Rubin Carter and published in 1974 from prison; as well as Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Untold Story of the Freeing of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, written by Sam Chaiton with Terry Swinton and published in 1991. While the film took many liberties with the story of Rubin Carter for entertainment value, the film screenplay written by Armyan Bernstein and Dan Gordon is based on the information in these two books.
The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472
Written by Rubin “Hurricane” Carter
Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s autobiography, titled The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472, is a compelling and controversial account of his life, focusing primarily on his wrongful conviction for triple murder and subsequent quest for justice. While the book provides a powerful narrative that sheds light on the flaws of the criminal justice system, it is not without its criticisms. One notable strength of Carter’s autobiography is his ability to vividly convey the injustices he endured throughout his life. His description of growing up in a racially divided America and the challenges he faced as a young African American boxer in a predominately white sport is both captivating and thought-provoking. Carter effectively highlights the racial biases that permeated his arrest, trial, and imprisonment, shedding light on the systematic issues that led to his wrongful conviction. Moreover, Carter’s account of his time in prison is emotionally charged, detailing the hardships he endured and the resilience he displayed in the face of injustice. His narrative powerfully portrays the dehumanizing aspects of incarceration and the transformative impact it had on his perspective.
However, some critics argue that Carter’s autobiography lacks balance and objectivity. While it is important to acknowledge the profound injustices he suffered, there are instances where the narrative appears one-sided. Carter portrays himself as an unwavering victim of a corrupt system, which may overshadow the complexities of the case and the perspectives of those involved. Additionally, some readers have expressed concerns about the accuracy of certain events portrayed in the book. Autobiographies often rely on personal recollections, which can be influenced by time, emotion, and personal bias. In the case of Carter’s autobiography, there have been claims that certain facts and timelines may have been distorted or selectively presented to fit his narrative. Furthermore, some critics argue that Carter’s autobiography lacks a broader examination of his life beyond the wrongful conviction. While it is understandable that the focus is on the most significant event that shaped his life, delving into the other aspects of his personal and professional experiences could have provided a more comprehensive understanding of his character and motivations.
In conclusion, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter’s The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472 offers a compelling account of his struggles, particularly his wrongful conviction and subsequent fight for justice. The book succeeds in shedding light on the flaws of the criminal justice system and the racial biases that plagued his case. However, it is not without its criticisms, including potential boas, selective storytelling, and a lack of broader exploration. Despite these criticisms, Carter’s autobiography remains an important and thought-provoking contribution to the discussion on race, justice, and the power of resilience in the face of adversity.
Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Untold Story of the Freeing of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter
Written by Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton
Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Untold Story of the Freeing of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter by Sam Chaiton and Terry Swinton is a thought-provoking and poignant account that delves into the wrongful conviction of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter and the transformative power of friendship. While the book offers a compelling narrative that highlights the flaws of the criminal justice system, it also presents certain limitations and perspectives that warrant discussion. One notable strength of Lazarus and the Hurricane is the authors’ meticulous research and their ability to weave together the stories of Rubin Carter, John Artis, and Lesra Martin. The book brings attention to the racial biases, legal misconduct, and systematic flaws that led to Carter’s wrongful conviction and his subsequent journey toward exoneration. The authors’ dedication to uncovering the truth and their commitment to justice shine through in their detailed examination of the case.
Moreover, the book places a significant emphasis on the role of friendship and the power of human connection. The relationship between Carter and Lesra Martin, a young man who becomes captivated by Carter’s story, serves as a compelling thread throughout the narrative. It underscores the impact that compassion, education, and personal growth can have on individuals who find themselves trapped in the grip of injustice. However, critics argue that Lazarus and the Hurricane may be overly sympathetic towards Rubin Carter and his co-defendant John Artis, potentially overlooking certain complexities and ambiguities surrounding the case. While the book provides a detailed exploration of their experiences, it may not offer a completely balanced perspective, failing to thoroughly address alternative viewpoints or doubts raised by the prosecution. Additionally, some readers have expressed concerns about the storytelling style employed in the book. The narrative often blends fact and fiction, incorporating fictionalized elements and reconstructed dialogues. While this technique aims to bring the story to life, it may blur the line between reality and artistic license, potentially raising questions about the book’s accuracy and reliability as a non-fiction book. Furthermore, Lazarus and the Hurricane could benefit from a deeper exploration of the broader implications and social impact of Carter’s case. While it effectively portrays the personal struggles and triumphs of those involved, a more in-depth examination of the racial dynamics, legal reforms, and public discourse sparked by the case could have enriched the book’s social and historical context.
In conclusion, Lazarus and the Hurricane presents a compelling narrative that sheds light on the injustice faced by Rubin Carter, John Artis, and Lesra Martin, highlighting the flaws of the criminal justice system. It emphasizes the transformative power of friendship and the pursuit of truth. However, the book’s potential bias, storytelling techniques, and lack of a broader societal examination warrant critical consideration. Despite these limitations, Lazarus and the Hurricane remains an engaging and significant exploration of the human spirit, resilience, and the quest for justice.
Both The Sixteenth Round: From Number 1 Contender to Number 45472, and Lazarus and the Hurricane: The Untold Story of the Freeing of Rubin “Hurricane” Carter are available to purchase in any bookstore or online retail store and you can find it to rent in most libraries, then you can read both of the books before you decide to rent the film that was adapted from the books, but don’t forget to watch The Hurricane starring Denzel Washington when you catch up on your reading!
The Hurricane is available now for rent and streaming on all digital platforms.