gray_05_sea's review
3.0
My rating is not based on the saliency of the argument by the author, but based on the writing style. It is well written, but always chooses 10 words where one would do. I also dislike the referral to other chapters, which gives the argument a repetitive and poorly organized feel. The book argues well that colonialism was a very bad thing, did not “help” India in any way, and should not be romanticized. The argument itself is backed up by cogent points, but I struggled to get through this.
ashwarrior's review
challenging
informative
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
Super detailed account of the impact of colonialism on India. So much information that I didn’t know and some parts literally made me gasp as I was reading. Took me forever to get through it though - felt like some parts of it were quite repetitive or could’ve been said with less.
ajith_wordshaker's review
4.0
It is impossible to read this book without experiencing a sense of frustration towards the historical actions of the British Empire, which perpetrated numerous appalling acts of looting and inflicted unimaginable horrors upon India. As an Indian currently residing in Britain, I can attest that the British people and authorities today display kindness and generosity. Perhaps deep within their collective consciousness, there exists a lingering awareness of the guilt associated with their past actions. The magnitude of atrocities committed by the East India Company and the British government is truly difficult to comprehend. They not only colonized the entire country but also engaged in extensive looting, perpetrating unspeakable acts of cruelty that defy measurement.
Shashi Tharoor, with his exceptional skill in presenting things in his own unique language, vividly brings to light the injustices committed by the colonial British people.
"History belongs in the past; but understanding it is the duty of the present" - Shashi Tharoor
Shashi Tharoor, with his exceptional skill in presenting things in his own unique language, vividly brings to light the injustices committed by the colonial British people.
"History belongs in the past; but understanding it is the duty of the present" - Shashi Tharoor
colittle's review
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.75
Incredibly informative, often enraging, occasionally deeply sardonic. An important read, especially as so many modern citizens of colonising countries feel nostalgia for what they do not realise were brutal regimes.
Missing .25 because it was slightly repetitive at times. Very minor complaint overall.
Missing .25 because it was slightly repetitive at times. Very minor complaint overall.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Colonisation
Moderate: Death, Rape, Racism, Classism, Torture, Violence, Genocide, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Sexism, Xenophobia, War, Religious bigotry, Physical abuse, Police brutality, and Slavery
jerihurd's review
3.0
Actually, a pretty good piece of history to read for the modern-world, where multinational corporations seemingly work beyond the law and systematically work to destroy workers' rights. Raj India is what you get when for profit corporations set the rules.
cristhebird's review against another edition
challenging
informative
sad
slow-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia, Police brutality, Racism, Cultural appropriation, Gun violence, Colonisation, Classism, Mass/school shootings, Slavery, Trafficking, Violence, and War