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crusoe's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Chain-gang all-stars isn't a subtle commentary, but damn it, this is America and the train for subtlety passed ages ago. It is nuanced enough and although it takes a strong stance against incarceration, it doesn't shy away from the hurt that comes with that viewpoint.
Focusing on so many characters at once, unfortunately, does fragment the story significantly even if it's necessary to show all sides of the debate. The issue is that not all parts are equally strong.
The idea to put both real world statistics and character background information in the footnotes of the story was a brilliant find and more stories should include experimental aspects in their format like this that can enhance the story. Not only does it ground the fictional story in reality but because the format for fictional characters is the same as the factual information, your brain associates the fictional characters and their stories with reality. It raises the stakes and makes the story more real.
Focusing on so many characters at once, unfortunately, does fragment the story significantly even if it's necessary to show all sides of the debate. The issue is that not all parts are equally strong.
The idea to put both real world statistics and character background information in the footnotes of the story was a brilliant find and more stories should include experimental aspects in their format like this that can enhance the story. Not only does it ground the fictional story in reality but because the format for fictional characters is the same as the factual information, your brain associates the fictional characters and their stories with reality. It raises the stakes and makes the story more real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Hate crime, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Transphobia, and Sexual harassment
richy_qu33r_readzz's review against another edition
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
A brutal read. Emotional damage guaranteed so practice self-care. This book is the hunger games, but closer to our current reality, in the prison system. This book is about pain, death, and the spectacle of it in traumaporn. It’s about slavery and the injustice system, about media consumption and brand sponsorship. It’s about how we’re all complicit in a system of death. And yet it’s just different enough that we can view it as fiction, as a what to avoid. But much like 1984, it could also be used by the corrupted powers that be as a how-to. Chilling shit. A unique writing style with many points of view and a creative take on grammar. Some passages have to be read aloud to understand them if you’re not familiar with the vernacular of those characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Self harm, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Medical trauma, Murder, Lesbophobia, and Classism
albernikolauras's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A powerful story following criminals who have to survive 2 years of essentially being gladiators to be freed - something only one or two have completed. The book follows several perspectives, with the main one being Loretta Thurwar on the road to the last battles in her career. There are footnotes scattered throughout citing true statistics about the industrial prison complex and the way prisons use incarcerated people (who are largely people of color) for profit. This book just carries the profitizing further as the criminals in the CAPE program are used for entertainment and reality show material between matches.
There is nothing subtle about this book and no holds barred. The characters are constantly fighting for their life and their humanity. This ending rattled me for a bit, but was perfect for what the book intended.
There is nothing subtle about this book and no holds barred. The characters are constantly fighting for their life and their humanity. This ending rattled me for a bit, but was perfect for what the book intended.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Moderate: Racial slurs, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, and Xenophobia
Minor: Rape
leannanecdote's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Infidelity, Mental illness, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Cultural appropriation, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
lokes's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Body horror, Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Dysphoria
kendallsnead's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Unlike anything I’ve ever read. Heartbreaking. Poetic. Beautifully written about a world that feels too close to reality.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Blood, Police brutality, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
jefferz's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
One part dystopian speculative science fiction, one part social commentary on systemic racism and the flawed American prison system, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah's Chain-Gang All-Stars is an ambitious narrative that attempts to cover a lot of ground in <400 pages. Despite the book's summary focusing on Loretta Thurwar and her survival with her partner and fellow chain member Hamara Staxxx, Chain-Gang All-Star reads more like a collection of short stories. Loretta and Hamara's narrative only make up about 1/3 of the book's content, the rest is devoted to over a dozen different characters and various perspectives covering the CAPE program. These perspectives include those of program participants, show producers, host and commentators, prison staff, abolitionist protestors, viewers, etc. The large scope of these various characters and the ambition behind Adjei-Brenyah's commentary is ambitious and is well-designed to spark open conversations about topics in the book. Despite the great intention and ambition behind its pages, unfortunately I found the actual novel/story portion of the book to be disjointed and difficult to get into.
For me, Chain-Gang All-Stars is at its best when it focused on Thurwar and Staxxx’s experiences which are compelling and interesting. The character psyche and gray morality of various participants (as well as viewers who are frankly obsessed with watching inmates kills each other with government permission for sport) to be the best part of the book. Both are well aware of their situations but their differences in outlook and personality makes their dynamic all the more interesting once its revealed someone on their team was murdered out of the blue. Thurwar takes the tough, internalized pain approach to minimize the damage to others while Staxxx has her emotions on full display, acting as a sort of empathic martyr to others around her. There are many footnotes included highlighting real-life facts and laws pertaining to the American justice system and moments clearly written for the abolitionist movement and these factual notes have the biggest impact when related to the affected characters involved.
Where the novel and reading experience gets a bit muddy is when its perspective and narrative shifts constantly amongst minor characters. Unlike other novels that feature a large ensemble cast woven seamlessly into the main narrative, Chain-Gang All-Stars feature many chapters of one-off characters who show-up, make a point to spark a conversation, and then are quickly forgotten for new characters (or a few like the scientist Patty has such a brief appearance later in the book, it feels more like a cameo easter egg than an intentional appearance). When the character and content are strong (as in the case of Sports caster Tracy Lasser's chapter involving activism, sexism and influence), the world within and around the CAPE program feels complex, nuanced, and immersive. More often than not however, many of these shifting chapters feel more like passing vignettes that lessen the emotional impact and voice of the book. In particular, a good number of chapters are devoted to another inmate named Hendrix Young. I believe his story is meant to show why prisoners turn to the CAPE program as a means of escape (or in his case salvation) and to empathize with his chain/team. However, his content sits in an awkward realm of not being enough for me to care about his journey and team, and being too much hindering/distracting from Thurwar’s story. Adjei-Brenyah acknowledged that the story of Chain-Gang All-Stars was expanded from a short story intended for his previous short story collection Friday Black. Many of Chain-Gang All-Stars perspectives feel like they would be better utilized in a short story collection similar to Friday Black rather than being interlaced and framed around the main narrative that subsequently feels underdeveloped from a plot-perspective.
The other drawback for me was the ending. Without giving away any spoilers, it felt abrupt and lacking some sort of resolution or insightful reflection. Nearly every chapter introduces important topics that go beyond the plot when taken at face value. Even when the book asks questions that it doesn’t have an answer to, it delivers some type of commentary that is either inspiring the reader to act or to highlight injustices commonly overlooked. The plot throws constant obstacles Thurwar’s way to prevent her from being freed and to put her chain in an impossible position. With such a strong lead up (and introspection) to the final match appearance, the actual ending sequence feels like it was cut short in a way that’s both open-ended and unsatisfying for her character. A certain character’s death feels like it was meant to be moving or emotional based on the number of pages that were devoted to their journey, but for me the actual scene fell quite flat. Again, this wouldn’t necessarily be a problem if there was some reflection or an important talking point introduced. The lack of strong message and an unresolved character narrative felt like both aspects were left hanging.
Ultimately this is one of those books that I wanted to like a lot more than I actually did. The ambition and message elevate the book to be so much more than the typical survival game trope that often relies on violence and shock value to be entertaining. There are also moments that are powerful coupled with real current and historical references for greater relevancy. Yet the execution of the actual plot and ending left a lot to be desired from a novel-reading perspective, reading more like an inspiring abolitionist movement piece. That’s a wonderful message and experience if that’s what you’re looking for. If the ending doesn’t have a strong conclusion, I want at least more plot so this wasn’t for me despite my appreciation and respect for the material.
For me, Chain-Gang All-Stars is at its best when it focused on Thurwar and Staxxx’s experiences which are compelling and interesting. The character psyche and gray morality of various participants (as well as viewers who are frankly obsessed with watching inmates kills each other with government permission for sport) to be the best part of the book. Both are well aware of their situations but their differences in outlook and personality makes their dynamic all the more interesting once its revealed someone on their team was murdered out of the blue. Thurwar takes the tough, internalized pain approach to minimize the damage to others while Staxxx has her emotions on full display, acting as a sort of empathic martyr to others around her. There are many footnotes included highlighting real-life facts and laws pertaining to the American justice system and moments clearly written for the abolitionist movement and these factual notes have the biggest impact when related to the affected characters involved.
Where the novel and reading experience gets a bit muddy is when its perspective and narrative shifts constantly amongst minor characters. Unlike other novels that feature a large ensemble cast woven seamlessly into the main narrative, Chain-Gang All-Stars feature many chapters of one-off characters who show-up, make a point to spark a conversation, and then are quickly forgotten for new characters (or a few like the scientist Patty has such a brief appearance later in the book, it feels more like a cameo easter egg than an intentional appearance). When the character and content are strong (as in the case of Sports caster Tracy Lasser's chapter involving activism, sexism and influence), the world within and around the CAPE program feels complex, nuanced, and immersive. More often than not however, many of these shifting chapters feel more like passing vignettes that lessen the emotional impact and voice of the book. In particular, a good number of chapters are devoted to another inmate named Hendrix Young. I believe his story is meant to show why prisoners turn to the CAPE program as a means of escape (or in his case salvation) and to empathize with his chain/team. However, his content sits in an awkward realm of not being enough for me to care about his journey and team, and being too much hindering/distracting from Thurwar’s story. Adjei-Brenyah acknowledged that the story of Chain-Gang All-Stars was expanded from a short story intended for his previous short story collection Friday Black. Many of Chain-Gang All-Stars perspectives feel like they would be better utilized in a short story collection similar to Friday Black rather than being interlaced and framed around the main narrative that subsequently feels underdeveloped from a plot-perspective.
The other drawback for me was the ending. Without giving away any spoilers, it felt abrupt and lacking some sort of resolution or insightful reflection. Nearly every chapter introduces important topics that go beyond the plot when taken at face value. Even when the book asks questions that it doesn’t have an answer to, it delivers some type of commentary that is either inspiring the reader to act or to highlight injustices commonly overlooked. The plot throws constant obstacles Thurwar’s way to prevent her from being freed and to put her chain in an impossible position. With such a strong lead up (and introspection) to the final match appearance, the actual ending sequence feels like it was cut short in a way that’s both open-ended and unsatisfying for her character. A certain character’s death feels like it was meant to be moving or emotional based on the number of pages that were devoted to their journey, but for me the actual scene fell quite flat. Again, this wouldn’t necessarily be a problem if there was some reflection or an important talking point introduced. The lack of strong message and an unresolved character narrative felt like both aspects were left hanging.
Ultimately this is one of those books that I wanted to like a lot more than I actually did. The ambition and message elevate the book to be so much more than the typical survival game trope that often relies on violence and shock value to be entertaining. There are also moments that are powerful coupled with real current and historical references for greater relevancy. Yet the execution of the actual plot and ending left a lot to be desired from a novel-reading perspective, reading more like an inspiring abolitionist movement piece. That’s a wonderful message and experience if that’s what you’re looking for. If the ending doesn’t have a strong conclusion, I want at least more plot so this wasn’t for me despite my appreciation and respect for the material.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Racial slurs, Slavery, Torture, Forced institutionalization, and Xenophobia
Minor: Confinement, Sexism, and Lesbophobia
sharu901's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content and Xenophobia
noodlebooknook's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
5 stars in general vibes
4 stars in some execution
4.5 stars to call it even
Let’s start with the good:
- the concept is very very good, I mean death games at this point I thought couldn’t be re-invented but this felt familiar yet fresh
- the main characters were so loved I almost cried multiple times it was so real and raw
- the author was very good at embodying all of the different POVS each one felt very separate and original
Some small criticisms:
- the POVs shifting without explicit chapter names for each character can be a little jarring sometimes I wasn’t sure if we were in the story of someone in the games or someone in the outside world
- some of the POV chapters were a little boring, like some chapters would have a rich back story while others I found myself not as invested in
- the changing sometimes between current and past events were not super clear and sometimes made a little confusion in the narrative, chapters as dates or names I think would have cleared me up
Overall I think this book is an amazing read and says so so so much about current prison systems and neo-slavery while in a fiction setting a lot of this book is very very real.
4 stars in some execution
4.5 stars to call it even
Let’s start with the good:
- the concept is very very good, I mean death games at this point I thought couldn’t be re-invented but this felt familiar yet fresh
- the main characters were so loved I almost cried multiple times it was so real and raw
- the author was very good at embodying all of the different POVS each one felt very separate and original
Some small criticisms:
- the POVs shifting without explicit chapter names for each character can be a little jarring sometimes I wasn’t sure if we were in the story of someone in the games or someone in the outside world
- some of the POV chapters were a little boring, like some chapters would have a rich back story while others I found myself not as invested in
- the changing sometimes between current and past events were not super clear and sometimes made a little confusion in the narrative, chapters as dates or names I think would have cleared me up
Overall I think this book is an amazing read and says so so so much about current prison systems and neo-slavery while in a fiction setting a lot of this book is very very real.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Death, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, Xenophobia, and Abandonment
musebeliever's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Chain Gang All-Stars manages to denounce the US incarceration system through a moving and disturbing story. In this future and alternative America, detained prisoners can choose to participate in broadcasted gladiator duels where they will fight to the death. The book draws parallels with the USA's current system where the bias of the carceral often makes incarceration inevitable for Black people. It explored the enslavement of prisoners, the inadequacy of the justice system, and the exploitation of imprisoned people, their torture, and dehumanisation. The parellels are drawn masterfully, using recent and historic cases. It is quite chilling to realise that the dystopia depicted in the book is very close to reality.
The writing is powerful and often poetic. It conveys the personality of each POV. I was very impressed to see the author adapt their style to each character.
I recommend this book!
The writing is powerful and often poetic. It conveys the personality of each POV. I was very impressed to see the author adapt their style to each character.
I recommend this book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Torture, Xenophobia, Police brutality, and Murder
Moderate: Rape