bookwaffle's review against another edition
3.0
Honestly, I feel like this book was all over the place. Ece is outstanding, really stands up for what she believes, and argues that the rise of Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkiye (Turkey), and the few uprisings that have happened there, might happen in other western countries (democracies).
However, if you decide to write a book about a country going from democracy to dictatorship (or a government that has gone through that, to inspire other leaders to prevent making the same mistake), at least try to stay on the plot, instead of throwing in everything bad (as in non-stop talking about infantile leaders, personal TV shows where politicians rant about their pizazz or using social media as a platform to rant, to make people listen to an "adult-kid" -not that those points aren't a problem in our world, though - as a result of the progress towards dictatorship) in one book. I guess I prefer a few various problems within our international society, how they can make a dictatorship (if not changed), and what we, as the population, can do about it.
This book made me confused for a while, though. (*sobs in a corner*)
But then again, Temelkuran is not wrong with her points, just made me confused about how we should dip our toes in the water of democracy and become an actual democratic world, and not a dictator-like one.
However, if you decide to write a book about a country going from democracy to dictatorship (or a government that has gone through that, to inspire other leaders to prevent making the same mistake), at least try to stay on the plot, instead of throwing in everything bad (as in non-stop talking about infantile leaders, personal TV shows where politicians rant about their pizazz or using social media as a platform to rant, to make people listen to an "adult-kid" -not that those points aren't a problem in our world, though - as a result of the progress towards dictatorship) in one book. I guess I prefer a few various problems within our international society, how they can make a dictatorship (if not changed), and what we, as the population, can do about it.
This book made me confused for a while, though. (*sobs in a corner*)
But then again, Temelkuran is not wrong with her points, just made me confused about how we should dip our toes in the water of democracy and become an actual democratic world, and not a dictator-like one.
mikebond's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Ottimo libro che aiuta a identificare e ad affrontare le derive verso l'autoritarismo che molti Paesi stanno vivendo da qualche decennio a questa parte. L'ascesa di leader autoritari come Erdogan, Putin, Trump, e di movimenti populisti che si dicono rappresentanti del "Paese reale" segue sempre alcune tappe ricorrenti, che Ece Temelkuran illustra con chiarezza e ironia. Una lettura utilissima!
hammadsgill's review against another edition
4.0
I started this book at a time when populist leaders in my country are trying to assert their popularity to get to power. I can see all the signs Ms. Temelkurn has written in this book. The country is being divided into 'them' and 'us' thanks to the rise of far-right populist leaders. One can peak into the future by looking back at history. It is a must read to understand the rise of authoritarianism.
pauljhorton's review against another edition
5.0
If you believe that fascism cannot happen here, then read this. You may not agree with everything, but you will see the signposts to where we are rapidly heading. Reviews are polarised but the ultra negative reviews appear to be from people who do not disagree that it is happening, rather that they are supporters of the dubious cause. Choose your side but if you don't like the future that is presented it is probably time to stop passively allowing it to happen.
The book actually contains some moving stories and some good writing.
If you an informed but still unwavering supporter of Erdoğan, Trump, Johnson et al, you probably will not like it.
The book actually contains some moving stories and some good writing.
If you an informed but still unwavering supporter of Erdoğan, Trump, Johnson et al, you probably will not like it.