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

challenging dark emotional informative reflective sad 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

5.0

The author of this book did such an incredible job weaving together facts about our current industrial prison system and details about the prison system of this universe. So much so that it definitely feels like real corporate Amerikkka could make the decision to move in this direction. 

This undeniable parallel to the real world that was interspersed with real laws and real instances of police brutality didn't detract from the fact that this was absolutely beautiful fiction. The characters were so rich. I was fully invested in Loretta & Hamara's relationship - their circumstances made me feel real emotions. And the stories of prisoners who were tortured or controlled to the extent that this gladiator fighting became their only option kept me riveted as well.

I was convinced at the beginning, because it's sometimes hard for me to sink into fiction that requires a ton of world building,  that this would land as a 4 for me. By the end I was smashing that 5 star button HARD. 

No notes. Everyone should read this. 
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