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"The Onliest One Surviving Jonestown" is a compelling and deeply personal account resulting from a collaborative effort between Catherine (Hyacinth) Thrash and Marian Towne, beginning in 1982. This project was initiated after Mrs. Thrash returned to Indianapolis from the Los Angeles area, where she had lived following the tragic mass murder-suicide at Jonestown on November 18, 1978.
The book is based on over 60 hours of interviews and stands as the only published first-person narrative of a poor, African-American, elderly, disabled woman who survived the Jonestown tragedy. While the story is rooted in the events of Jonestown, it primarily offers a profound insight into the life of one individual. It details her journey from childhood in Alabama through her adulthood in Indiana, highlighting her initial attraction to Jim Jones' Peoples Temple and her subsequent decision to follow him to California and Guyana.
Despite her early involvement, she recognized the malevolent nature of the movement early on. Her awareness allowed her to psychologically distance herself from the demonic aspects of the organization, which ultimately enabled her to survive physically. This survivor’s story provides a unique and personal perspective on one of the most infamous tragedies of the 20th century, emphasizing resilience and the complex human experiences behind the headlines.
- Author: Catherine H. Thrash
- Format: Paperback
- Language: English
- Publication Date: 1995
- Subject Keyword: Jonestown, Guyana
- Manufacturer: Marian K. Towne
