If We Must Die: A Novel (Radical Souths) - Softcover

Edwards, Junius

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1469698544 ISBN 13: 9781469698540

Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press, 2026

Synopsis

Called a “relevant nightmare of a book” upon its publication in 1963, If We Must Die tells the story of Black Korean War veteran Will Harris and what happens when he tries to breach the color line by attempting to register to vote in the segregated South. Harris’s act of courage ignites a nightmare of racial hatred, injustice, and violent retribution. His story exposes the cost of standing up to racism and fighting for dignity. Mocked and denied his right to vote by white bigots, Harris is later fired from his factory job for “voter fraud.” The last third of the book provides a sobering reminder of the systemic racial terrorism that was, and still is, rampant in America.

About this title

About the Authors

Junius Edwards (1929–2008) was an Army veteran, writer, and successful advertising executive in New York City. If We Must Die is his only novel.

Sharon Monteith is Distinguished Professor of American Literature and Cultural History at Nottingham Trent University.

Edition details

• Publisher: The University of North Carolina Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1469698544
• ISBN 13: 9781469698540
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 138