The Journey for the Truth
Samuel Freedman’s journey in searching for the truths of his mother’s life was a son’s final act of penance to a “special person”, as it said on her gravestone. Why did he want to know her? “I did this to feel like I could be her son again”, Freedman said. He stood over his mother’s grave, utterly unaware of who she was and the kind of life she lived. This was simply why he felt such overwhelming remorse and guilt. His curiosity created an “itch” to know more about her and it was so unyielding that he had to somehow relieve its sting.
The cure for his itch was Who She Was. By creating this book, he allowed not only himself, but also the world, to know Eleanor Hatkin. As you start reading, you are hooked because a little itch emerges in every reader as well. By beginning the novel with him standing at her gravestone for the first time in twenty-six years, he so profoundly conveys the distance between this son and mother. It was even better how he could then flash back to her whole life story going from the stages of “becoming”, “waiting”, “loving”, “leaving”, and finally “dying”. His progression into her life allowed readers to feel as if they were traveling along, as Freedman did on his journey of research. His attention to detail within this piece really brought the “nitty-gritty” of her life. It’s actually amazing how he did this, seeing that it was all accomplished without the primary source, his mother!
This naked truth of his mother’s life, as Freedman revealed, was found only through extensive, long-term digging into the past. He described this by saying, “The more I researched, the more I stimulated my intrigue.” Still working as a professor all during the process of creating this book, he started his research in June of 2001 and actually began writing by November 2003! This two year time period only shows the effort and dedication Freedman had to put into finding everything about his mother. He emphasized that the crucial aspect of linking back to the past was to find correct names, addresses, and numbers. His first and most obvious start came by interviewing and conversing with the immediate family and relatives still alive. And as he found Social Security records, transcripts, letters, diaries, gifts, and pictures, he had to act like a detective to find the underlying meanings to every piece of information he got his hands on. For instance, why did Eleanor’s college transcript show all C’s? Answer: Because she had to switch to night school (further losing her New York scholarship by doing so), to become the “bread-winner” of the household. Clearly as he got every piece of the past, he needed to take the time to analyze the evidence thoroughly. Yet besides the work itself, the entire research process was a complete emotional experience for Freedman.
Meeting the writer in person shed light on the book in a different, more personal level. His enthusiasm when recalling the process of researching was obvious with every word and expression. As he reflected back on the experience in front of her grave, his voice choked. He was just as captivating in person as he was in his writing. Making funny jokes here and there, his presentation of himself was just what one would expect from such a writer. Without doubt, Eleanor Hatkin was a one of a kind woman. She was full of love, hate, passion, and all the extremes. Freedman perfectly demonstrates how every ordinary life is extraordinary in its own ways. He said, “All lives have the same basic element, whether you are Madonna or my mother.” His compelling piece of work makes every reader turn around and start asking his/her own mother some questions. In this exact way, Freedman has the skill and talent to motivate readers to have call to action to find out truths of their own. No wonder he’s such a renowned writer. With his unforgettable books, famous writing course at Columbia University, sold-out workshops, and own education column in the New York Times, he is one writer that’s here to stay.