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mitchelljohnson's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
some chapters were more interesting and important than others, but this book is an absolute gem. essential reading.
iainiainiainiain's review against another edition
5.0
A great nuanced analysis of fascism, the Soviet Union and the prevailing dogmatic forces of left and right anti-communism.
Fundamentally the book is a defense of Marxism, the realities of socialism and of attempting to understand the world for what it is, not what it appears to be. It begins with a discussion of the role of capital in the development and rise of fascism, before dedicating a lot of time to discussing the good of the Soviet Union and the reality of its shortcomings in contrast to the hysteria perpetuated by its critics. The left anti-communism section where the likes of Noam Chomsky et al are discussed is really important and it was very refreshing to finally read a left-critique of the media's favourite 'socialists' who conveniently hate socialism and only advocate utopian nonsense.
The latter half of the book is dedicated to the fallout following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the economic and social catastrophy felt by the vast majority of normal people within the region, and ends with a superb defense of Marxism and of 'the C word' (class), and their continued relevance. This section is particularly brilliant and probably the best, most succinctly put explanation of the core of Marxist fundamentals I've read outside of the man himself.
Writing this during the 'end of history' period must have made him feel like the only sane person left on earth but like everything Parenti touches, this book is impassioned and methodical and always convincing, and I would like to think the last 25 years have only vindicated his defence of left wing ideals.
Fundamentally the book is a defense of Marxism, the realities of socialism and of attempting to understand the world for what it is, not what it appears to be. It begins with a discussion of the role of capital in the development and rise of fascism, before dedicating a lot of time to discussing the good of the Soviet Union and the reality of its shortcomings in contrast to the hysteria perpetuated by its critics. The left anti-communism section where the likes of Noam Chomsky et al are discussed is really important and it was very refreshing to finally read a left-critique of the media's favourite 'socialists' who conveniently hate socialism and only advocate utopian nonsense.
The latter half of the book is dedicated to the fallout following the collapse of the Soviet Union and the economic and social catastrophy felt by the vast majority of normal people within the region, and ends with a superb defense of Marxism and of 'the C word' (class), and their continued relevance. This section is particularly brilliant and probably the best, most succinctly put explanation of the core of Marxist fundamentals I've read outside of the man himself.
Writing this during the 'end of history' period must have made him feel like the only sane person left on earth but like everything Parenti touches, this book is impassioned and methodical and always convincing, and I would like to think the last 25 years have only vindicated his defence of left wing ideals.
hushed's review
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
3.0
i'll never understand the need to defend specific leaders while talking about the advancements of specific projects/movements/etc but Parenti felt the need to combat the left critique of marxist-leninist states with dogmatism and limited quotation of select left critics. the advancement of society via social good is almost never what's being critiqued but rather the authoritarian motives of leadership structures and preference for state capitalism.
other than those sections, it's a really good read.
other than those sections, it's a really good read.