Structure

The structure of Thompson's study of Attica is roughly divided into two parts; the first a graphic chronological retelling of the uprising and retaking of Attica, and the second a compartmental analysis of the subsequent investigations into Attica. Using the words of witnesses to tell the story as often as possible, Thompson creates a comprehensive and dynamic retelling of the events at Attica from the perspective of administrators, doctors, the observers committee, correction officers, state troopers, government officials, but most frequently, inmates. When Thompson shifts from the uprising and retaking to the judicial and political aftermath, her structure becomes less chronological as she begins to dissect groups of characters' individual place within the overall context of the investigations. At this shift, Thompson also shifts from storyteller to analyst. The final one-hundred pages of her book consists of notes and citations from each chapter and a detailed index...