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techtade's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully crafted text that balances convincing and justified arguments with clever wit. Biases are acknowledged and opinions explicitly earmarked, this is a text that provides as much an insight into the man as it does the nation and I cannot recommend it enough
zoekyriacou's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
Really eye-opening and informative. Handles lots of really important topics although felt there could have been a stronger sequential flow from chapter to chapter. Did really like the personal anicdotes and how well it meshed with the analysis.
sheherlock_holmes's review against another edition
5.0
At its best when focusing on the authors lived experience and social/legislative history (which is the vast majority of the book). The ease of reading for the subject matter and depth of discussion speaks to Akala's skill as a writer and what his predictions for the future are bleak I find them hard to disagree with. Also exceptional breakdown of the 'Britishness' that makes normal island what it is.
sophie_eve_p's review against another edition
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
3.75
sakisreads's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.0
My author friend personally knows the author (!), and it’s a topic I always love to read up on, so I borrowed this one from the library 👏🏼
There were a few quotes that stuck out to me:
When people say ‘But what about [insert injustice here]?’ the response of ‘You have not made an insightful observation by distraction’ was SO powerful 😳
When discussing how media portrays something like tax evasion to gang crime: ‘Rich people crime good, poor people crime bad.’
When in discussion about how black people living under apartheid said not nice things about white people: ‘White people’s hurt feelings are conceptually equivalent to black humans’ actual lives.’
Honestly? Incredibly insightful 🗣️ I didn’t know about Cuba having one of the biggest, (and well-maintained) healthcare systems either!
Definitely one to read and digest! 4 out of 5 stars for me, thank you ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Racism, Forced institutionalization, Police brutality, Grief, Murder, Colonisation, War, Classism, and Deportation