Using St. Louis as a jumping-off point, Walter Johnson shows how the racial dynamics of America have helped to shape the country. Seeing the microcosm example, the reader is able to see racism, capitalism, and Imperialism has created and destroyed America. The Broken Heart of America is a labour of love, but also an apology. As a white man who lives near the St. Louis area, Johnson uses his work to show his privilege while simultaneously bringing to light how white America has prospered. I found Johnson's narrative thread to extend too far back, especially in the beginning of The Broken Heart of America . The narrative could have started farther up in the historical timeline. It was a good read but too widespread at times.