“Big Trouble: A Murder in a Small Western Town Sets Off a Struggle for the Soul of America” is an enthralling literary masterpiece penned by the distinguished author J. Anthony Lukas, renowned for his acclaimed work “Common Ground.” Within the pages of this compelling narrative, Lukas skillfully weaves a grand tapestry that unfolds against the backdrop of the United States at the cusp of the twentieth century—a nation pulsating with hope, yet tinged with trepidation.
The story commences on a crisp, snowy evening during Christmas in the year 1905, casting its gaze upon the tranquil town of Caldwell, Idaho. The central figure, Frank Steunenberg, the state’s former governor, returns to Caldwell to oversee his family bank while contemplating his political future. Lukas paints a vivid picture of the atmosphere, capturing the bold, exuberant, and unapologetically acquisitive spirit that permeated the town’s young entrepreneurs. These ambitious individuals, drawn by the allure of prosperity, believed in the boundless possibilities that the future held for them—a sentiment mirrored by many in the burgeoning West during that era.
However, beneath the veneer of optimism, Steunenberg harbors an unsettling premonition that he and his fellow townspeople are not entirely in control of their destinies. A sense of foreboding clouds the air as he walks home through eight inches of freshly frozen snow, symbolizing the chilling uncertainties that lay ahead. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when, upon entering his garden gate, a bomb concealed on the gatepost detonates, catapulting the governor “into eternity.”
The ensuing events unfurl a tale of a heinous murder, a consequential trial, and the profound struggle that ensues for the very soul of America. Lukas navigates the intricate web of historical events with the finesse of a master storyteller, offering readers a front-row seat to the multifaceted drama that played out in Caldwell. The author delves into the complexities of the era, capturing the zeitgeist of a nation on the brink of transformation.
The book, categorized under History, specifically focusing on the United States in the 20th century, provides a meticulous examination of the social, political, and cultural dynamics that shaped the nation during this pivotal period. Published by Simon & Schuster in October 1997, “Big Trouble” stands as a testament to Lukas’s narrative prowess and his ability to breathe life into historical events, making them resonate with contemporary readers. It is a captivating exploration of a tumultuous time in American history, inviting readers to reflect on the enduring struggles that have molded the soul of the nation.