The Islamic State beheaded James Foley in front of the camera, and the writer Colum McCann has now chronicled the story of his mother Diane Foley. “American Mother” turns James from symbol to human again.
“American Mother” is a book without respite. Right at the beginning, Diane Foley meets one of the men who tormented, tortured and ultimately beheaded her son James while he was being held hostage in Syria in front of the camera. She wants to understand, forgive, she listens to the jihadist’s story, doesn’t allow herself to be drawn in, can hardly stand the conversation in the visitors’ cell, but she gets through it. It is a scene full of oppression and yet a power that immediately captivates you. And then the book picks up speed.