Eig moves beyond the idealized image of King as a flawless hero, revealing a man often wrestling with self-doubt, bouts of depression, and the pressures of leadership. He explores King's extramarital affairs, not to sensationalize, but to showcase the human vulnerabilities behind the public persona. This nuanced portrayal humanizes King, allowing readers to connect with him on a deeper level, recognizing both his strengths and his flaws.

Through recently declassified FBI files and firsthand accounts, Eig sheds light on the constant threat of violence that permeated King's life. The book exposes the relentless harassment, intimidation, and assassination attempts King faced from both white supremacists and the FBI itself under J. Edgar Hoover's leadership. Eig forces the reader to confront the heavy price King paid for his activism and the immense courage he displayed in the face of danger.

Eig showcases the evolution of King's message, moving beyond his fight for civil rights to encompass economic justice and an anti-war stance. The book explores King's increasing radicalism in later years, challenging the sanitized narrative often presented in history books. Eig reveals a King deeply concerned with poverty, systemic racism, and the Vietnam War, highlighting the continued relevance of his message in today's world.