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4.28 AVERAGE
4.28 AVERAGE
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
Perhaps a touch longer than it needed to be, but a very good read about a pretty crazy period of history.
Otro episodio oscuro más de la historia de África que se intenta mantener oculto
slow-paced
Sadly until reading this book I knew very little about King Leopold II and his rule in Belgium and the African Congo. My first response when finishing this book was a deep hatred for a man who had caused so much pain and suffering to so many in the Congo. King Leopold and his reign in the Congo resulted in some estimates of up to 10 million Congolese deaths. My anger only increased when I realized that much of his crimes were covered up by Belgium and other political Powers around the world. My reading of this book during the Advent season has caused me to do some deep thinking. Advent historically has been a time when Christians around the world reflect on both darkness and light. Darkness in the sense that all of us have a bent towards evil and are trapped in our own sins and wrongdoings. Yet we are hopeful because of the light that is coming to restore all things. I find myself not truly hating King Leopold but actually hating what evil has done to humanity and how it has caused so much harm to others. I give this book 5 stars because the author Hochschild is not only an excellent historian but he has stirred some of the deepest parts of me. That makes it a good read in my opinion.
challenging
dark
sad
slow-paced
This is an absolutely important book to read, lest we forget those who suffered. Do not let the stories of victors and conquerors be the only side we hear.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This book never feels like a history or morality “lesson” and yet it compels so much empathy and illuminates so much. Hothschild is a master at personalizing and interconnecting the events through relating the experiences of the real people involved in a way that is somehow factual, narratively intriguing and emotionally engaging at the same time. One of those books that changes the way you look at the world forever.