On the Run Book Summary

In 'On the Run', Alice Goffman immerses herself in the lives of young African American men in Philadelphia, exploring the relentless pursuit they face from law enforcement. Through vivid storytelling and firsthand experience, Goffman reveals the systemic injustices and societal pressures that drive them into a world of constant flight. The narrative unveils the emotional and psychological toll of evasion, not just on these individuals but also on their families and communities. As the characters navigate a landscape rife with danger, readers are prompted to rethink notions of crime, punishment, and the American justice system. This gripping account invites readers to bear witness to a hidden reality that challenges the status quo.

By Alice Goffman

Published: 2015

"In the shadows of the city, where survival often trumps the law, we learn that freedom is not just a state of being, but a dance with danger."

Book Review of On the Run

Originally published: Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2014, as part of the Fieldwork encounters and discoveries series.

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In the shadows of the city, where survival often trumps the law, we learn that freedom is not just a state of being, but a dance with danger.

On the Run

By Alice Goffman