Double Jeopardy

Julius Lester is one of the tiny number of blacks to convert to Judaism, thereby placing himself in double jeopardy. Lovesong, the autobiographical tale of Lester’s journey from minister’s son to Jewish convert, shows him beset by prejudice and misunderstanding from every direction. He has repeatedly followed the path of most resistance, with controversy his constant companion. Moderation is not his style; once he decides on a position he sticks to it with forceful, strident rhetoric. Only a headstrong personality coupled with a wry intelligence and eloquence has enabled him to survive his battles.

As a young radical working for the Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee (SNCC) he gave himself to a passionate...