Review and Giveaway: 'Willow in a Storm' by James Peter Taylor and Kathleen Murphy-Taylor

Willow in a Storm: A Memoir
By James Peter Taylor and Kathleen Murphy-Taylor
ISBN-10: 097652015X
ISBN-13: 978-0976520153
Trade paperback, 320 pages
September 28, 2007
Scarletta Press
Reviewed by Sabrina Williams

James Peter Taylor's memoir, Willow in a Storm, attests to the incredible strength required to weather the stream of injustices launched at him over and over again through decades of incarceration. First arrested in 1950 for impersonating an FBI agent to retain the privilege of keeping his date out late, Taylor began a series of petty crimes that resulted in repeated confinements until his spree spiraled into the unthinkable: murder. Though he never intended to commit such a heinous crime, events transpired which resulted in Taylor taking the life of a banker in a botched robbery attempt. His case became the springboard for one man's political career, and Taylor was subsequently imprisoned for the maximum length of time possible. Attempts at parole were repeatedly denied through strategic maneuvering on the part of prison officials.

Willow in a Storm chronicles Taylor's life, from his earliest memories through his time spent in various correctional facilities, to his current state of affairs. While he repeats many times that his early life events are not justification for his criminal behavior, he does try to explain the various reasons he feels contributed to his precarious behavior. In his twenties, he began a pattern of using women and throughout his life, left a trail of failed marriages and fatherless children behind.

Taylor's prison years detail the various forms of abuse inflicted upon him by fellow inmates, as well as guards. He gives the reader an intensive tour of an inmate's daily regime and the constant threats faced. An important fact the author notes is that only three percent of those given life sentences actually complete those sentences to be released. The rest die of natural causes or more likely become victims of prison violence. Taylor spent years adapting to his circumstances and creating a general plan for survival, but only after several suicide attempts. When he finally made the revelation that he would indeed persevere despite his predicament, it was a matter of strategy to overcome the jeopardy of prison life.

Each chapter covers a specific block of time, and unfortunately, they are not in chronological order. The book could benefit from more organization. Even with a time line at the end, the progression of events is still quite confusing for the reader. I've had to refer to it several times in writing this review just to verify I was understanding the span of Taylor's life correctly. But the details and the author's passion for conveying his message are clear in the writing. Taylor became disabled--more specifically blinded--in an attack on his life while incarcerated, so his story had to be dictated to his wife, Kathleen Murphy-Taylor to create the book.

Taylor has made attempts at atoning for his crimes over the years through altruism inspired by a novel he read while in prison. He regrets the loss he caused to the banker's family, and it is both fitting and beautiful that he dedicated the book to them. Through faith and spirituality, he has attempted to leave a positive legacy behind and demonstrates the redemptive effects of his incarcerations. If ever there was a candidate for reform, I would say James Peter Taylor is that person.

However, I was disappointed that while Taylor made attempts to reconnect with people who influenced him and sought out his daughter from his first marriage, there is no mention of children from later relationships. I would think that in his reconciliation attempts, he would want to bring closure to all of his offspring. He certainly left many broken relationships over the years.

James Peter Taylor's story is a sad one ripe with neglected opportunities. But it is also an eye-opening look at the justice system. Though Taylor deserved to be punished for his crimes, the extent of his sentences did not match his behavior, and one incarceration was simply through association, not an actual crime. It is frightening how easily the legal system can be abused for individual gain. For a person to serve the majority of their life in prison and resurface with any degree of integrity is a feat. I commend Taylor for his resilience and perseverance.

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