The Beginning

Of all the books written on the decade of the 1960s about the Civil Rights movement, Patrick Smith has turned out the most vivid and most violent and most accurate reflection of the time. —The Clarion Ledger (Mississippi)

An outstanding novel, as true a picture of Southern racial relations to be found. —The Mississippi Press

The Beginning – $17.95 –

(The Beginning is also available on Kindle and NOOK)

Life in Midvale, a fictional small town in southern Mississippi during the 1960s, is heavily influenced by its scorching summers and impoverished economy. The African American residents live in a run-down area of town known as “the quarters,” while the white merchants and farmers lead peaceful, family-centered lives. Despite the segregated nature of the society, a reasonably amicable atmosphere prevails until new laws are passed in Washington, and a few black residents attempt to register to vote, causing unrest in town.

Segregationist Sam Hankins demands that Sheriff Ike Thornton put a stop to it, but the Sheriff has his own plans for improving race relations, including rehabilitating “the quarters” with new roofs, paint, indoor bathrooms, and paved streets. However, his proposal leads to violence between those who resist change and those who are willing to make a beginning towards a new era.

When two young white Civil Rights workers arrive in Midvale to start a “freedom school,” the outside world collides with the town’s internal struggles, resulting in riots and bloodshed that lead to a climactic ending similar to the 1960s headlines.

The Beginning was written during the peak of the Civil Rights movement in the 1960s, and its publication in 1967 drew mixed reactions. While some praised the novel’s accuracy in reflecting the era’s attitudes, others criticized the portrayal of certain social groups, both black and white. In the South, it was impossible to write a novel about race relations without facing criticism from someone.

This novel had been out of print for several years. Customers repeatedly asked for The Beginning and have paid premium prices of over $100 for used copies on eBay and other sites. Now we are happy to make it available in paperback for only $17.95.

 The Beginning – $17.95 –  

(The Beginning is also available on Kindle and NOOK)

The story’s perspective on the United States as the “home of the free and the brave” may not resonate with everyone. Ike Thornton, the protagonist, embodies a determination and practicality that acknowledges societal norms from the past are no longer acceptable. With new laws being passed in Washington D.C., he recognizes that forcefully implementing integration will inevitably lead to a reaction. As the complexities of integration unfold, events unfold that challenge society’s tolerance for inequity. Patrick Smith’s characters represent the heart of his stories, offering a hopeful spirit and the belief that every day is an opportunity for new beginnings.

Here are some testimonials from readers:

One of the best books I’ve ever read on the early Civil Rights Movement. It portrayed a small Southern town with mostly very good people who were willing to let things progress as they should. However, the extremists (on mostly the White side) were determined to make it difficult. Justice prevailed. Characters were very well defined & it was refreshing to read a book about this subject which was realistic & not sensationalist.

~Kay

This is one of the best books that I have read lately, it is hard to put down. It reminded me of when I was growing up at that time. Great author. I have read several of his books in the past and have just started another one.

~Amazon customer

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the beginnings of the Civil Rights movement. Patrick Smith humanizes the characters and tells it like it was.

~Diana Darling

I love Patrick Smiths writings. He lived close to our home and well aware of his penchant for a factual story. This story had to be told whether fact or fiction.

~Terry Gregrich

Excellent from beginning to end.

~Delight82

The realistic, true Mississippi comes to life within the pages of this book. Patrick Smith has penned an outstanding novel.

Man’s inhumanity to man is an important part of this story, but it is not the whole story. There are shocking brutality and violence of many sorts, but more than all that, there is a sensitive overall view of whites and Negroes that takes into account almost every facet of life in a south Mississippi town.

~Jackson Daily News

Of all the books written in the decade of the 1960s about the Civil Rights movement, the changing times and the enigma of Mississippi, Patrick Smith has turned out the most vivid and most violent and most accurate reflection of the times.

~Clarion Ledger

The author has a unique way with words they are leaves of feeling reaped from the seed of the heart.

~Mississippi Press