Book: Reflexion

Introduction
"Reflexion" is a narrative by Lynette Fromme, released in 2018. The book details her experiences as a member of the notorious Manson Family. The events surrounding the Manson Family are a reflection of the tumultuous period of the 1960s and 1970s, consisting of a mix of idealism and violence. Through Fromme's point of view, the reader gets an intimate check out the mindset and the inner operations of the infamous family, it's leader Charles Manson, and their influence on her life.

Early Life and Joining the Manson Family
Lynette Fromme was born in Southern California in 1948. She had an unstable childhood, marked by an unsteady family environment. Her daddy was an emotionally distant aerospace engineer, who typically vented his aggravation on his family, causing Lynette's strained relationship with her moms and dads.

In 1967, at the age of 19, Fromme experienced Charles Manson and his fans. She was captivated by Manson's charisma and his countercultural philosophy, which resonated with her desire for individual freedom and empowerment. Fromme became one of the most devoted members of the Manson Family, assuming the nickname "Squeaky" and working as Manson's secretary.

Life Inside the Manson Family
Fromme's narrative offers readers a within look into the characteristics and daily life of the Manson Family. They lived a communal way of life, often residing in abandoned residential or commercial properties or staying with sympathetic associates. The group shared everything, from food to clothes, and Manson had supreme authority over decision-making.

Manson's charm and manipulation strategies ultimately caused him being viewed as a messiah figure within the group. The member of the family were increasingly faithful, believing that Manson's mentors would help liberate society from its materialism and oppression. They were devoted to his vision of an approaching apocalyptic race war that he called "Helter Skelter".

Murders and Aftermath
In 1969, the Manson Family became infamous for the brutal murders of starlet Sharon Tate and six other people. Fromme was not directly involved in the criminal offenses, but she protected Manson and the other relative during their trials. Manson, Susan Atkins, Patricia Krenwinkel, and Leslie Van Houten were convicted and sentenced to death, which was later commuted to life jail time when California abolished the death sentence.

Regardless of the convictions, Fromme remained devoted to Manson and the Family. She continued to maintain their countercultural beliefs and attempted to raise public awareness about ecological issues and jail conditions.

Fromme's Imprisonment
In 1975, Fromme was detained for trying to assassinate President Gerald Ford. She was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment. Throughout her time in prison, Fromme had numerous escape attempts and hung out in solitary confinement. Her memoir information her life in prison, dealing with the extreme conditions and keeping her unyielding commitment to Manson.

Fromme was paroled in 2009, after serving 34 years in jail for the tried assassination and a prison escape. She has given that stayed out of the general public eye, living a peaceful life.

Conclusion and Reflection
"Reflexion" uses an insider's viewpoint on the Manson Family and acts as a cautionary tale about the risks of adjustment, blind commitment, and idealism required to violent extremes. Lynette Fromme's narrative sheds light on her life as a dedicated member, the impact that Charles Manson had on her, and the apocalyptic visions and beliefs that shaped the Family's actions.

Ultimately, the book supplies an examination into the human psyche, exposing the vulnerabilities and desires that can lead one down a dark path, and serves as a reminder of the risks that can lurk beneath the guise of idealism and charismatic leadership.