The Dying American Dream
Hillbilly Elegy
A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis
By J.D. Vance
Hillbilly Elegy is a memoir by J.D. Vance about his life from poverty to middle class and a bit beyond. He chose the title well. Along the winding road of his life, Vance lost family, friends, and for a time, his own direction. Thanks to a strong-minded grandmother he found his way, but other things were lost forever. Vance was born and raised in the hillbilly country of Kentucky and Ohio. In some ways, he still thinks of himself as a hillbilly, and still deals with some of the cultural demons. However, like many who find a way past the disadvantages of birth, there comes a point when you know that you can never entirely return home. An Elegy, as used here, is a lament, or serious reflection for the dead.
Kyle with his copy of Hillbilly Elegy, by J.D. Vance
Vance uses the memoir to explore his own life, but the book is more than the story of one person or family. It is a detailed and empathic account of the poverty, drugs, and learned hopelessness that holds many in bondage across America. I found it hard to write this review, perhaps because it reminded me of aspects of my own life. His personal focus is the cultural and economic crisis facing the struggling poor, white, working-class, families of Appalachia. However, as you read this story, you better understand the tribulations of millions left behind by the evolving American economy. Our leaders don’t understand these people so they fail to emphasize with them or help them.
Two things saved Vance from intergenerational poverty, addiction, and despair. The first was his grandparents. Both were flawed but each, especially the grandmother, had a vision that life could be better. During the latter portion of their lives, they were able to overcome their personal failings and provide Vance and his sister with enough stability to give them a start in life.
The second was enlisting in the Marine Corps. There was a time when most young men did an enlistment in one of the branches of service. Sadly, that time has passed and I won’t argue for compulsory service. However, enlisting proved to be a significant help to Vance. For generations, the service, and particularly the Marine Corp, has provided young people with discipline, confidence, and an attitude that they can accomplish whatever they set out to do. After their enlistment, the GI Bill also helps pay for college. All of this the Marines did for Vance. How many children do not have these advantages and are doomed to repeat the lives of their elders?
Hillbilly Elegy ends during a family crisis shortly after he graduated from Yale. Today, Vance is running for the United States Senate from Ohio.
The memoir is not for everyone. In the book, Vance records the profanity that was common in his family, along with the use of drugs and alcohol. This is also true for the 2020 film based on the memoir and directed by Ron Howard.
