A review by musebeliever
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah

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!
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