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tomatored6's review against another edition
It's a good book, readable and I like the interaction with the people in Qatar.
However as other reviews mention, quite heavy sports focus (which isn't necessarily bad since it provides a wider analogy to how Qatar operates) but for me it could've been summarised in a page or two rather than a whole chapter. I think this trend applies to a lot of the book.
While it was an enjoyable enough read I felt like I wasn't getting huge amounts of information about Qatar - potentially that's an unfair judgement since it's a portrait rather than an in-depth analysis but mainly for that reason decided to DNF.
However as other reviews mention, quite heavy sports focus (which isn't necessarily bad since it provides a wider analogy to how Qatar operates) but for me it could've been summarised in a page or two rather than a whole chapter. I think this trend applies to a lot of the book.
While it was an enjoyable enough read I felt like I wasn't getting huge amounts of information about Qatar - potentially that's an unfair judgement since it's a portrait rather than an in-depth analysis but mainly for that reason decided to DNF.
benderrodriguez's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
Having worked in Qatar for 3 years I had a surface level awareness of the stratified experience of migrants there, though I assumed (for the most part) life was still better for them than in their home countries. However, this the book provided an intimate and honest insight into the uglier aspects of the Kafala system, lack of human rights protections, and influence of Qatari families. It doesn't just focus on the unjust treatment of migrants, it does a good job of raising questions about the direction of Qatar and why Qatar is the way it is.
wintrovia's review against another edition
4.0
Like most people, I'd read the news stories about the appalling working conditions and deaths of migrant workers in Qatar as part of their efforts to prepare for the upcoming World Cup so I was interested to read this book and learn more. As it happens, the books is far deeper and broader look at life in Qatar and it's better for that.
John McManus spends time in the city state and gets to know the lives of the people that live and work there. The day-to-day reality of life in Qatar is frequently grim, particularly for the migrants from poorer countries that facilitate the opulent lifestyles of the wealthy Qataris and Westerners. While McManus is even handed in documenting the (limp) attempts by the regime to improve labour standards, but the indignities and horrendous conditions many workers have to face do not put Qatar in a good light.
It's hard to say you've enjoyed reading such a book as it lifts the lid on such an unpleasant place. But it is intriguing to learn about a culture where suffering of the many for the indulgence of a few is baked into the fabric of society.
McManus admitted himself that he struggled to get close to Qatari nationals in the researching and writing of this book and for that reason their voice is missing from the narrative. This is a shame as it feels like a missing piece of the puzzle in understanding what life is like in Qatar. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
John McManus spends time in the city state and gets to know the lives of the people that live and work there. The day-to-day reality of life in Qatar is frequently grim, particularly for the migrants from poorer countries that facilitate the opulent lifestyles of the wealthy Qataris and Westerners. While McManus is even handed in documenting the (limp) attempts by the regime to improve labour standards, but the indignities and horrendous conditions many workers have to face do not put Qatar in a good light.
It's hard to say you've enjoyed reading such a book as it lifts the lid on such an unpleasant place. But it is intriguing to learn about a culture where suffering of the many for the indulgence of a few is baked into the fabric of society.
McManus admitted himself that he struggled to get close to Qatari nationals in the researching and writing of this book and for that reason their voice is missing from the narrative. This is a shame as it feels like a missing piece of the puzzle in understanding what life is like in Qatar. Otherwise I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
irahid's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.25
rowanruddle's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0