Race has often been an emotionally charged topic in the United States, making candid and insightful discussions rare, especially when examining its role in the decline of modern American cities. However, J. Anthony Lukas, in his book "Common Ground," manages to navigate this complex terrain with both sophistication and grounding in human experiences. His exploration is essentially a biography of Boston, capturing a decade of upheaval starting from 1968.

Lukas's narrative centers around three individuals who embody the city’s diverse social fabric. Alice McGoff is a working-class Irish mother residing in the homogeneous neighborhood of Charlestown, living in public housing. Rachel Twymon, a middle-aged black mother, resides on the periphery of the ghetto while maintaining connections to the black middle class. Lastly, Colin Diver, a Harvard Law School graduate, forgoes a lucrative career to tackle pressing social issues in Boston. Through these figures, Lukas examines the racial tensions and urban transformations that Boston experienced, particularly highlighted by the court-ordered busing of 1974, which directly impacted the Diver, Twymon, and McGoff families.

The book expands its focus through chapters that radiate outward from these central characters, exploring their families, environments, and personal perspectives on the racial conflicts surrounding them. By detailing the intimate realities of these individuals, Lukas provides readers with a deeper understanding of the broader social dynamics they navigate daily. His method is rooted in extensive research, drawing from over five hundred interviews and a wealth of historical and social data.

"Common Ground" stands out for its ability to blend individual stories with a robust intellectual analysis, offering a narrative that is as dramatic as it is insightful. Although Lukas expresses a tempered view regarding the efficacy of social reforms and the future outlook of the city, his work sheds light on essential truths that are crucial for any meaningful progress. This synthesis of personal drama and analytical depth makes "Common Ground" a significant contribution to understanding the complex interplay of race and urban life in America.

In the evolving field of biography, a genre has emerged that immerses readers in the intricate tapestry of its subject's environment, often expanding into the lives and stories of those around them. This approach offers a comprehensive panorama, providing insights into broader societal issues. J. Anthony Lukas's "Common Ground: A Turbulent Decade in the Lives of Three American Families" not only epitomizes this style but also elevates it, using oral history to tell the multifaceted story of a city grappling with racial tensions and change.

The Setting: Boston on the Brink

Lukas’s narrative begins in April 1968, in the aftermath of Martin Luther King Jr.’s assassination, setting the stage in Boston by examining the reactions of three distinct individuals. Colin Diver, a Harvard Law School student, is moved to act against poverty and racial inequality in Boston instead of pursuing a prestigious law career. Rachel Twymon, a black mother of six, is devastated by King’s death and faces personal and financial ruin as her business succumbs to looting and bankruptcy. Meanwhile, Alice McGoff, an Irish-American waitress, mourns the loss but questions the relevance of the civil rights movement in the North, where she perceives fewer barriers to black mobility.

Three Families, Three Perspectives

The book introduces readers to the intersecting lives of Divers, Twymons, and McGoffs, each representing a facet of Boston’s complex social fabric: Yankee, black, and Irish communities, respectively. However, Lukas resists reductive stereotypes, instead illuminating the unique aspects of their identities: Diver as the son of immigrants, Twymon with black Canadian ancestry, and McGoff as a widowed public housing resident. Through their stories, Lukas paints a vivid portrait of urban...