Join El Tecolote and Acción Latina for a special tardeada and presentation of the recently published “Escape from Texas: A novel of Slavery and the Texas War of Independence” by James W. Russell.
Russell, a social activist, author of several sociological works, and resident of the Mission in the 1970-80s, will be present to speak about his book.
“Escape from Texas,” Russell’s first novel, is the story of James Robinson, a slave who dreams of, and struggles for freedom in the years leading up to the seizure of Texas from Mexico, first by Anglo slaveholders, and then by the United States.
The novel portrays a turbulent period in history from the perspective of a slave. It is a learned look into an under-examined period, the 1830s, which bridges the experiences of African-Americans, Mexicans, Afro-Mexicans, Native Americans and Anglo Americans alike.
“This is an unusual piece of fiction, both for its tight historical accuracy and the scope of its imagination. This is a gripping and wonderful narrative, packed with surprises, as well as new lessons in history,” wrote Ben Vinson III, a Latin American historian and professor at Johns Hopkins University.
The event is free to the public. Light refreshments will be served.
The author will also present his book at Revolution Books in Berkeley on Aug. 12 and Modern Times Bookstore in San Francisco on Aug. 16.
For more information call (510) 860-3516 or visit www.escapefromtexas.com
Sunday, Aug. 19, 3 p.m.–7 p.m. 2958 24th St. (at Alabama), San Francisco