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

challenging dark 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? It's complicated

4.75

This was one of the most out-of-my-comfort-zone books I’ve read this year, but it was one I will remember. Full of deep-rooted metaphors for the prison system and with poignant insight into the circumstances of prisoners, this book is a picture of a dystopian future of mass incarceration in America. It speaks to America’s infatuation with violence, especially violence inflicted by and onto people of color. It alludes to the surveillance of incarcerated individuals and their lack of autonomy. The actual plot is somewhat reminiscent of the Hunger Games, where battles take place with the greatest stakes imaginable. The scariest part to me, though, was that some elements of this book seemed possible in our future if we aren’t aware, alert, and outspoken about our mass incarceration epidemic. Would highly recommend this read—but do note, violence is a large part of the book.
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