Overview

Richard Rothman never knew his grandfather, who left behind a wife and young daughter to fight-and die-in the Spanish Civil War. What drove a young, idealistic New Yorker with everything to live for to leave it all behind? This lucid investigation into a family history will explore the social idealism and selfless passions that drew the author's grandfather into the Communist Party and, in 1937, onto the bloody front lines in Spain. But his search will also reveal the darker truths behind treasured family lore, as Rothman discovers how fervent idealism blinded not only his grandfather, but also other family members to ugly realities of the movement to which they devoted their lives. Written with compassion and insight, Finding Ruby takes the reader on a journey from the trenches in the Spanish Civil War to the courtrooms of the segregated South in the epic case of the Scottsboro Boys, which helped launch the Civil Rights movement. This deeply personal story sheds light on not only one family, but an entire swathe of American history.

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9781916797444

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Reviews

""A thoroughly engrossing, sweeping detective story. Rothman deftly​ takes the reader on a page-turning journey of discovery, through​ the Spanish Civil War, the Communist Party, obscene poetry, the​ trial of the Scottsboro Boys, with cameos from Jimi Hendrix and Joe​ Cocker. At once an exploration of one family's unique history, and a​ reflection on what moves any of us to pursue our passions-for better​ or worse.""​ David Cole, Legal Director, ACLU, author of Engines of Liberty ""In this touching and beautifully written memoir, we accompany​ Rich Rothman on a bold exploration of his family's past, as he tries​ to understand why both his grandfathers, first-generation Jewish​ immigrants in the United States, enlisted as volunteers to fight​ fascism in Spain. Finding Ruby grants us a revealing glimpse into a​ forgotten chapter of U.S. history whose relevance is arguably greater​ today than it has been in a long time.""​ Sebastiaan Faber, author of Exhuming Franco: Spain's Second Transition

Author Information

Richard Rothman is a New York-based lawyer. Following a successful career at one of the country's preeminent law firms, since 2017 he has devoted his professional time to representing pro bono clients, including survivors of human trafficking and domestic violence. He co-chairs the Incarcerated Gender Violence Survivors Initiative, as well as the board of Graham Windham, the nation's oldest non-sectarian child welfare agency. During the course of his career, he has served as President of the Federal Bar Foundation, Director of New York City's Legal Aid Society, Trustee and Counsel to the Board of the American Red Cross of Greater New York, and Chairman of Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts. In 2023, he received the New York Law Journal's Lifetime Achievement Award. In addition to various legal publications, Rothman has written about a variety of topics ranging from the wonders of loons, and his love for the New York City subways, to battling cancer at richrothman.com.

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