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In a narrative that opens up as an ode to the very definition of the American Dream, the author provides a comprehensive and microscopic view of his family's evolution from potato farmers to agricultural excellence. Hill was born in 1935. The author's childhood is captured perfectly by a snapshot of him carrying a dinner pail and going into the fields to pick potatoes with his father. The opening is brimming with Hill's innocence and childhood exuberance as he portrays the depth of his bond with his dad. From an emotional perspective, the flourishing father-son relationship is intriguing. However, it is the matter-of-fact nature with which the writer highlights details of his formative years that is refreshing.
By all regards, Hill's work presents a gargantuan undertaking that seemingly captures the inevitable peaks and valleys that encompass the entirety of a lifespan. Whereas his earlier years dwell on family relationships with siblings and parents, especially his father, there is also a historical glimpse of agricultural life in the first half of the twentieth century, including, but not limited to, unloading grains at the freight yard. As Hill depicts, it wasn't always all work. For example, there was time spent swimming and playing in the Lamoille River. Regardless, Hill's coming of age featured a sincere determination to manage the farm and ease his father's burden. Being drafted by the United States Army changed the complexion and trajectory of Hill's life. Over time, Hill's enterprising nature led him to thriving businesses within the agriculture and real estate industries and the achievement of becoming a certified auctioneer. Romantic exploits were not far behind as he found lasting love with Charlotte.
Detail after detail in this fascinating book reveals a life of immense success and gravitas, a life intent on making a true impact on society and creating lasting change. However, what ensues as the story progresses is downright harrowing. Entanglement in a web of lies and conspiracy appears to single-handedly rock the author's life. The author's resilience and steadfast determination to maintain his innocence despite the involvement of all legal parties from the FBI to the courts is admirable, as is his natural knack for rebuilding his life once external factors have bulldozed it to the ground. At the core of the narrative is Hill's unyielding desire to have his auctioneering certificate reinstated and, on a greater level, to exact justice from those who abuse their positions of power.
The never-say-never attitude of an underdog makes for riveting storylines, and Hill's battle with the feds and the banks for what is rightfully his is nothing short of admirable. Laid out bare for readers to grasp the gravity of overreach and abuse of power, the second half of Hill's narrative is imbued with documents, letters, and conclusive evidence that clearly demonstrate a gap in responsibility from the authorities. More than anything else, in the scope of Hill's life story, the question audiences are likely to probe in their own lives is what justice means to them, and to what end will one pursue justice and the American Dream? William Hill's book is a testament to that resolve and dedication. This piece is written with a voice so fearless and authentic that regardless of a reader's penchant for story, the intent and effort of the author to invoke justice will be appreciated.