Summoning the Ghosts is a kaleidoscope of events and characters associated with the century old Michigan Central railroad station. Many celebrated figures used Michigan Central, as documented in historic issues of the Detroit Free Press.
Not all who passed this way were dedicated to high purpose. Nazi agents spying on the Arsenal of Democracy transited here in the buildup to WWII. The kingpins of the notorious Purple Gang pursued their sinister aims here in the violent days of Prohibition.
A large story-within-the story, chronicles the epic tale of 3 generations of a black family bookended by the cataclysmic race riots of 1943 and 1967. From the intractability of racism in the Jim Crow south, to the plain at West Point, the steamy jungles of Vietnam and the horrors of the My Lai massacre, to the plight of homelessness and poverty; the black experience remains an indispensable chapter of the American saga. Legendary characters like John Lewis, Thurgood Marshal, Barry Gordy, Martin Luther King Jr., and Malcom X, populate this history. Added to this list is the enigmatic drifter Arturo Molina, whose decades long odyssey in pursuit of redemption unites characters who never met; proving all lives are connected if only remotely.
Summoning the Ghosts is a sweeping tale of Detroit, it’s history and long awaited renewal. The abandoned Michigan Central Station is a temple where countless memories are preserved and sanctified. This alone makes it worthy of restoration. The lessons it teaches can guide our way to the future.
Sandra Whitehead –
The book is a wonderful collection of events that occured during the life of the old train station in Detroit. The author does a great job of weaving history with a bit of fiction, to recreate a time long past. Detroiters will surely enjoy the walk down memory lane, as well as any fan of American history from the 20th century.
Sandra Whitehead –
This is a very well done walk down memory lane for buffs of 20th century American history in general, but more specifically about Detroit’s significant role in that history. Interlaced with actual events, Mr. Connor paints a vivid picture of fictional families caught up in the swirl of politics, sports, war, and social and racial unrest, charecteristic of that tumultuous time. It is a good read, with the venerable Detroit railroad station as a quiet focal point for the goings and comings of known, and known Americans all of whom each story is unique and captivating.