Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Natives by Akala

37 reviews

questingnotcoasting's review against another edition

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challenging informative inspiring sad medium-paced

4.0

This completely lived up to all the glowing reviews I'd seen. I meant to read it last month but didn't get round to it and I'm glad I didn't leave it any longer. Akala's writing is articulate, incisive and witty and he interweaves his lived experience with history so smoothly. He examines the way race and class intersect and builds a clear argument against the common misconception that the UK is a meritocracy. That in particular wasn't news to me but there was so much history here that I knew nothing about, including some fairly recent events. I just read Black and British by David Olusoga and I feel like the two books complement each other very well. I found them both really enlightening, especially in the way they dismantle the myths Britain has built around its history of colonialism and slavery. 
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rubyhosh's review against another edition

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challenging dark informative reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

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stormwise's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective

4.5

Akala does a fantastic job of explaining how modern discrimination is rooted in imperialism, exploring how contemporary examples of racism are influenced by history. 

I personally found the chapters revolving around Akala's experiences at school the most compelling; they address the long-lasting impact of racial bias on schoolchildren and recall the bullying and gaslighting of bigoted teachers. The autobiographic elements of this book really drive home Akala's points - he hasn't just researched this topic, he's lived it. 

This book is an incredible tool that can be used when debating the uninformed, the ignorant and the prejudiced on matters of racial inequality - it even pauses for an interlude that addresses the most common arguments. Anyone who is interested in anti-racist reading, particularly with a focus on the UK, will benefit from reading this book - and I'm tempted to also recommend it to anyone who still doesn't think that racism is a problem in the UK. 
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zulliekinz's review against another edition

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hopeful informative sad medium-paced

5.0

An excellent look at the dynamics often ignored but always at play in British and European society. I learn a lot that I didn't know before and understood so much more about Britain's history as a white power. Akala manages to weave in humour to an incredible array of dark subjects and his storytelling is so warm and powerful because of this. 

I listened to the audible version of this book and it was read by the man himself - he lands the tone of his words so well and it made for an even more thoughtful authentic and somehow enjoyable read. 
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olivianw's review against another edition

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informative reflective medium-paced

5.0

I don't think I'm ever going to forget this book. Part memoir, part history lesson, part social commentary. I would 10/10 recommend this book to anyone (especially 'white British' people) who want a better understanding of our country. 
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paleghosty's review against another edition

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challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.5

I read this as part of the Decolonise UoM Radical Readers Book Club and I'm so glad I got the chance!
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achingallover's review against another edition

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challenging emotional informative reflective medium-paced

3.0

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