One Day When I Was Lost

by: James Baldwin

Published by: Vintage International

Reviewed by Lauretta Ali

Award-winning author James Baldwin tried his hand at writing a screenplay based upon Alex Haley’s The Autobiography of Malcolm X. Baldwin’s scenario (as he calls it) is as livid in its display of Malcolm’s life as I have seen in any of the films depicting his life story. What’s interesting about this book is the rhythmic way in which the author writes.

Far different then the way Alex Haley begins his book, James Baldwin opens up with Malcolm leaving the New York Hilton Hotel in route to the Audubon Ballroom in Harlem. This will be his last speech before his murder later that evening. Baldwin has Malcolm reflecting on his own life and then his father’s horrid demise.

Malcolm Little was born on May 19, 1925. Just before his death he made his pilgrimage to Mecca. It was during that trip that he was given the Muslim name El Haji Malik El Shabazz. Yet, the author tells us in a delightful, disturbing and joyful manner the events that took place in Malcolm’s life. Malcolm left for Mecca with a narrow vision of Islam and came back to the United States with a keen perspective of what he wanted to do with his life.

The author combines the actual events in Malcolm’s life with just the right amount of colorful imagination that is needed. I almost felt that I was with Malcolm on this adventure that was his life. From the demeaning horror his parents faced at the hands of racists to the events which led Malcolm to prison life, I was on the edge of my seat. His life’s purpose was so evident in this story, it almost aided in relieving my pain upon his death.

I highly recommend this book. It is compelling story written by one of our country’s greatest writers. Through Baldwin’s eyes Malcolm is no longer lost, but found.

Armchair Interviews says: A unique view of this man’s life.