In the Shadow of Statues

A White Southerner Confronts History

By: Mitch Landrieu

Narrated by: Mitch Landrieu

"An extraordinarily powerful journey that is both political and personal.... An important book for everyone in America to read." (Walter Isaacson, number one New York Times best-selling author of Leonardo Da Vinci and Steve Jobs)

The New Orleans mayor who removed the Confederate statues confronts the racism that shapes us and argues for white America to reckon with its past. A passionate, personal, urgent audiobook from the man who sparked a national debate.

"There is a difference between remembrance of history and reverence for it." When Mitch Landrieu addressed the people of New Orleans in May 2017 about his decision to take down four Confederate monuments, including the statue of Robert E. Lee, he struck a nerve nationally, and his speech has now been heard or seen by millions across the country. In his first book, Mayor Landrieu discusses his personal journey on race as well as the path he took to making the decision to remove the monuments, tackles the broader history of slavery, race and institutional inequities that still bedevil America, and traces his personal relationship to this history. His father, as state legislator and mayor, was a huge force in the integration of New Orleans in the 1960s and 1970s. Landrieu grew up with a progressive education in one of the nation's most racially divided cities, but even he had to relearn Southern history as it really happened.

Equal parts unblinking memoir, history, and prescription for finally confronting America's most painful legacy, In the Shadow of Statues will contribute strongly to the national conversation about race in the age of Donald Trump, at a time when racism is resurgent with seemingly tacit approval from the highest levels of government and when too many Americans have a misplaced nostalgia for a time and place that never existed.

©2018 Mitch Landrieu (P)2018 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

One of Time Magazine's “Best Memoirs of 2018”

Featured in Newsweek's "50 Coolest Books to Read This Summer"

Included in Esquire's "Best Nonfiction Books of 2018"

“[Mitch Landrieu] has done something, in his speech and his book, that other politicians should emulate. He’s tried to reckon with America’s sins while offering an optimistic, big-hearted and deeply patriotic defense of cosmopolitanism as the source of American greatness.” (The New York Times)

“[A] thought-provoking piece of political writing...Uncomfortable as it might be to think of our country’s history...we have to do so, if we want to live within the truth. Landrieu has shown the way.” (The Washington Post)

Leave out the campaign rhetoric and it's 5 stars

This was a very good listen, except for the short time when he seems to be running for higher office. Aside from the foray into campaigning, I enjoyed the book being read by the author who is clearly a good orator and his gentle southern drawl works perfectly to bring home the message. I found the journey of the logistics of getting the statues removed once the decision was made to be really compelling, and thought it was far too little of the total book. It definitely got me thinking about my own attitudes, always a good thing.

Normally I feel I'm "cheating" a little when I listen to a book instead of reading it, but every now and then listening to a book is even better than reading it. I think this was one of those occasions. I especially enjoyed the recording of his speech given on the day of the removal of the statue of Robert E Lee; it was an excellent epilogue. I don't know if the text of the speech is included in the written version, but even if it is, hearing him deliver the speech and the audience reaction was very effective.

Enlightening

Well developed narrative. Makes one look at the issue in a completely different perspective. Everyone should read it.

Outstanding!

What did you like best about this story?

Mitch Landrieu wrote a heartfelt & convincing account of why confederate statues MUST be removed from our public spaces. This book is enjoyable & interesting! Mayor Landrieu’s retelling of his own history and how he has come to hold the ideals he has is gives us hope for how governance should be conducted. I highly recommend it!

In the shadow of statues

Excellent research about the truth of our past. Thank you. Very enlightrning. Enjoyed it immensely

Very interesting

Great insider look at the violence around taking down Confederate statues in NOLA. New perspectives on race in the US.

Compelling, well written

What made the experience of listening to In the Shadow of Statues the most enjoyable?

An honest conversation about race, racial oppression and systemic racism is long overdue in our country. In this book, Mitch Landrieu has taken a courageous stand in the hopes of moving us in the right direction. His book is well researched and yet very personal. He does an excellent job narrating. I strongly recommend this book for anyone who cares about creating a more inclusive, respectful and just society. He speaks to the better angels of our nature.

Great Book

This book is timely and needed. America needs to come to terms with past and embrace a future for all Americans.

A must read in the time of Trump

A great book a excellent way to explain why these confederate statues must come down all over the country, for the betterment of the USA

Great Book!

This is a must read. A mayor standing up for what’s right with no care for politics. I feel like Mitch deserves an award. Loved listening to this book.

A timely, well written discussion of race from a d

What did you love best about In the Shadow of Statues?

The bluntness of the discussion. The frank way that Landrieu brought the topics to the table, admitting his own faults and the way he came to a different perspective over the course of his career.

What was one of the most memorable moments of In the Shadow of Statues?

Loved his discussion of Wynton Marsalis asking him to take down the statue of Robert E Lee.

Which scene was your favorite?

The description of his youth, growing up in New Orleans.

If you could give In the Shadow of Statues a new subtitle, what would it be?

The truth behind the establishment of the Southern Myth.

Any additional comments?

A must read for anyone that grew up in the south, or northerns that want to understand the south a little better.