When a person’s back is against the wall, in those moments a person will find within themselves a need to survive. Whether that survival instinct comes in the face of some great danger, or comes when their livelihood and living situation is under attack, the need to survive is strong within people, and the situations which require survival often showcase how far we, as people, are willing to go to achieve that survival.
Survival becomes an integral part of two brother’s journey on the run-in authors Glenn and Steven Porter’s in their book titled Porter Brothers’ Tragedy. In this book, the authors recall their harrowing experiences that led to them being man-hunted and in untold danger. In their youth, the two men found themselves in the employ of a wealthy owner, and soon pursued the owner’s beautiful daughters. With hopes of marriage in their hearts, their decision to move marks them as wanted men, with the girls accusing them of being runners. Facing a hungry police force, murder attempts, and much more, the two brothers rely on their bond to face these challenges head on.
The authors did a wonderful job of capturing the chaos and dangers which come with greed and becoming mixed up with a wealthy family. The way in which the brothers tell their story felt very cinematic, and the honesty and depth of detail in the author’s writing allowed the reader to feel transported to their experiences. The cautionary tale of seeking success and becoming wrapped up in the personal lives of the wealthy elite, as money often brings about greed, blackmail, and a struggle for power that can overwhelm the best of people. The visceral portrayal of the experiences they had when being hunted down and the dangers they faced crafted a heavy atmosphere that left the reader fueled by adrenaline, and suspense which will keep the readers on the edge of their seats.
This is the perfect read for those who enjoy non-fiction books, especially those that enjoy true crime and memoirs. The honesty comes into play both in the telling of these incidents, and the language and dialogue the brothers engaged in with others, which plays into some discussions that more modern readers may find shocking, and yet the emotional depth of the brother’s bond and the shocking twists and turns readers will find in their journey made this book an insightful and enlightening read.