 |
This amazing story about the Wall family centers on a tormented hero. Dr. William Henry Wall, Sr., the author's father, was a physician and state senator in a small southern town during some transitional decades of the twentieth century. A progressive multi-tasking public servant dedicated to improving the lives of all people regardless of their race, gender, age, or ability to pay for medical treatment, Wall, with assistance from his son ("Little Doc"), worked so hard that he developed an addiction to Demerol to keep his aching body working. His addiction depleted the family's resources to the extent that Wall couldn’t pay his income taxes, and all of the family's business and personal resources were at risk. Wall's difficulties and his progressive actions that defied the racist and sexist policies of his enemies in Early County got him an eighteen-month sentence in prison, where he became an unwilling guinea pig for CIA drug experiments.
The author presents an intriguing morality tale about a man who works so hard in his attempt to promote many public services decently and equitably that he becomes drug-dependent in order to function. Unable to count on the local or federal authorities (like other prisoners), Wall becomes even more of a victim when he is most vulnerable. Yet despite his losses, Wall’s inner circle—particularly "Little Doc" and some stalwart friends—prove to be the people he can rely on. Despite its history with his father, the author remains hopeful that the CIA will commit itself to the security of the American people. It is a theme that reflects his father's devotion to service. This book's messages regarding service, sacrifice, and survival with the help of loved ones are extremely important and will likely positively impact readers.