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rachellarson2019's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this audiobook and would like to read the book itself as there were many times I got distracted and missed certain parts that I would like to re-visit.
The book is less a primer on avoiding facism, although that is addressed at points throughout the book, and more a history lesson about facism. Madeline Albright recorded the audiobook herself and I really enjoyed the bits of her personal life she sprinkled throughout. It actually made me want to read more about her life, it sounded so fascinating.
The book was written after Trumps election and before January 6th, so it was especially interesting how she points out that denying election results is a textbook facist move. One thing that really stuck with me is that people who believe that elections “don’t work” or “are always corrupt” are really saying “democracy doesn’t work” and therefore are offering up solutions that are not democratic solutions. Food for thought!
The book is less a primer on avoiding facism, although that is addressed at points throughout the book, and more a history lesson about facism. Madeline Albright recorded the audiobook herself and I really enjoyed the bits of her personal life she sprinkled throughout. It actually made me want to read more about her life, it sounded so fascinating.
The book was written after Trumps election and before January 6th, so it was especially interesting how she points out that denying election results is a textbook facist move. One thing that really stuck with me is that people who believe that elections “don’t work” or “are always corrupt” are really saying “democracy doesn’t work” and therefore are offering up solutions that are not democratic solutions. Food for thought!
micmo's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a little too heavy and nuanced to be enjoyed as an audiobook. I would recommend as a “read with your eyes” book. The last two chapters in particular provided me with a lot to reflect on and consider especially given the current political climate.
jon3535's review against another edition
4.0
Disclaimer: Although not my typical choice, I was compelled to delve into this novel amidst escalating political tensions and widening societal divides. Written by the late Albright, a former United States Secretary of State and esteemed university professor, this book stands as a remarkable piece of historical non-fiction—a testament to her lifelong dedication and passions.
Albright's narrative skillfully unravels the intricate workings of fascist movements throughout history, offering profound insights that transcend mere academic discourse. In a single read, I gleaned more about the origins and manifestations of fascism than in decades of education. I found myself highlighting so many passages, here are just a few that I felt compelled to share:
-“In a true democracy, leaders report the will of the majority but also the rights of the minority - one without the other is not enough.”
-“The wise response to intolerance is not more intolerance or self-righteousness; it is a coming together across the ideological spectrum of people who want to make democracies more effective.”
-“what makes a movement Fascist is not caroling but the willingness to do whatever necessary - including the use of force and trampling on the rights of others - to achieve victory and command obedience.”
Spanning continents and epochs, the book subtly draws parallels to contemporary politics, particularly within the United States. Albright astutely identifies and dissects the ominous warning signs of leaders who undermine democratic principles—a reflection that resonated deeply, even across borders. Personally, I couldn't help but detect echoes of such tendencies within the leadership of my own province, Alberta, Canada.
As we navigate through increasingly polarized landscapes, Albright's work serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy. It urges us to remain vigilant, to recognize the subtle shifts in rhetoric and policy that pave the path towards authoritarianism. In safeguarding our democratic institutions, we fortify against encroaching fascism.
Albright's narrative skillfully unravels the intricate workings of fascist movements throughout history, offering profound insights that transcend mere academic discourse. In a single read, I gleaned more about the origins and manifestations of fascism than in decades of education. I found myself highlighting so many passages, here are just a few that I felt compelled to share:
-“In a true democracy, leaders report the will of the majority but also the rights of the minority - one without the other is not enough.”
-“The wise response to intolerance is not more intolerance or self-righteousness; it is a coming together across the ideological spectrum of people who want to make democracies more effective.”
-“what makes a movement Fascist is not caroling but the willingness to do whatever necessary - including the use of force and trampling on the rights of others - to achieve victory and command obedience.”
Spanning continents and epochs, the book subtly draws parallels to contemporary politics, particularly within the United States. Albright astutely identifies and dissects the ominous warning signs of leaders who undermine democratic principles—a reflection that resonated deeply, even across borders. Personally, I couldn't help but detect echoes of such tendencies within the leadership of my own province, Alberta, Canada.
As we navigate through increasingly polarized landscapes, Albright's work serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of democracy. It urges us to remain vigilant, to recognize the subtle shifts in rhetoric and policy that pave the path towards authoritarianism. In safeguarding our democratic institutions, we fortify against encroaching fascism.
book_concierge's review
4.0
Book on CD read by the author
From the book jacket: The twentieth century was defined by the clash between democracy and Fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions of innocent people dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our era. Albright draws on her own experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her career as a diplomat to question that very assumption.
My reactions:
It’s said that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. I’ve studied some history, and yet I found much new information in this relatively slim volume.
Albright clearly, methodically and logically lays out the foundations to bring understanding of Fascism. She cites numerous examples, using not only right-wing but left-wing and centrist ideologies to illustrate the concepts and realities. The great takeaway for me was the way in which small, incremental changes to policy which are easily tolerated (even when not fully agreed with), add up and result in citizens finding themselves in a society they hardly recognize and with limited ability to return to an earlier model.
Albright narrated the audiobook herself. Her diction is clear and she sets a nice pace, giving the listener time to absorb concepts. However, I did sometimes repeat a track to ensure that I had fully understood. I think this book is probably best absorbed in a text format.
From the book jacket: The twentieth century was defined by the clash between democracy and Fascism, a struggle that created uncertainty about the survival of human freedom and left millions of innocent people dead. Given the horrors of that experience, one might expect the world to reject the spiritual successors to Hitler and Mussolini should they arise in our era. Albright draws on her own experiences as a child in war-torn Europe and her career as a diplomat to question that very assumption.
My reactions:
It’s said that those who refuse to study history are doomed to repeat it. I’ve studied some history, and yet I found much new information in this relatively slim volume.
Albright clearly, methodically and logically lays out the foundations to bring understanding of Fascism. She cites numerous examples, using not only right-wing but left-wing and centrist ideologies to illustrate the concepts and realities. The great takeaway for me was the way in which small, incremental changes to policy which are easily tolerated (even when not fully agreed with), add up and result in citizens finding themselves in a society they hardly recognize and with limited ability to return to an earlier model.
Albright narrated the audiobook herself. Her diction is clear and she sets a nice pace, giving the listener time to absorb concepts. However, I did sometimes repeat a track to ensure that I had fully understood. I think this book is probably best absorbed in a text format.
rebeccazh's review
3.0
This novel isn't what I expected. I was expecting a book organized around the concept of fascism itself, but the author divided the book into chapters, with each chapter focusing on a personality and a quick, readable overview of the individual's rise to power amidst the historical backdrop of the time. I consider this to be a casual, 'pop history' introduction to fascists throughout history. It was interesting to learn about the personal histories of Mussolini, Hitler, etc. I found the later chapters to be less engaging especially when she was in praise of the US's foreign policy.
radiatorpasta's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
2.5
fine but (after the first 2 chapters) too many names names names and dates dates dates in big blocks which turned off my brain. author seems very preoccupied with making sure we all know presidents come to her birthday parties, how dictators don't dare be rude to her, how she's been a very important decision maker, etc.