"Who are the shadows in the background of shocking events? Rachael Hanel's compelling exploration of Camilla Hall, a likable Minnesota social worker turned Berkeley lesbian artist turned player in the most notorious political kidnapping of its time, grippingly illuminates the barely perceptible line between an unrelenting passion for justice and devastating choices from which one can't return."--Barrie Jean Borich, author of Apocalypse, Darling and Body Geographic "In this captivating work of narrative journalism, Rachael Hanel explores how people can become radicalized in the face of governmental failure, charting the path from idealism to violence to tragedy. At its heart, this is a book about womanhood and belonging--and one woman's quest to understand another, to find the empathy and humanity that live beyond the headlines if we only try hard enough to see."--Melissa Faliveno, author of Tomboyland: Essays "In this affecting account, creative writing professor Hanel delves into the life of Camilla Hall, who was raised in rural Minnesota by religious parents and died at 29 in a 1974 shoot-out between members of the Symbionese Liberation Army, the radical group that kidnapped Patty Hearst, and the Los Angeles police. This nuanced portrait will resonate with many."-- Publishers Weekly "The story's relevant connections to the happenings in today's political world will linger with you. You will keep thinking about Camilla's life and her family long after you finish the book."-- KYMN Radio "Hanel breathes new life and understanding into Hall, who was often ridiculed in mainstream media, and invites readers to understand one woman's story through a lens less viewed.

"-- Mankato Free Press " Not the Camilla We Knew is not an embellished account of Camilla Hall's life, but a striking and clear-eyed demonstration that sometimes, questions are more important than answers."-- Rain Taxi.