Reviews - The Wretched of the Earth

The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon

963 reviews for:

Good content bogged down by confusing structure. I understand the context and background behind this book but I still find the concept of reading a bunch of unrelated thoughts back to back a bit confusing and hard to get into. But once you get into it, this book is like a treasure trove of great ideas and prescient thoughts. I think Fanon perfectly characterizes so many of the post-colonial issues in the world as well as the current anti colonial conflicts. Not only does Fanon describe the step-by-step of how a people gains consciousness to revolt but he also explains the consequences of said revolt down to the minute details. What’s fascinating is that he’s been vindicated by dozens of conflicts all around the world. In fact, reading this book feels like reading a historical account of these conflicts except that you realize that it was written in 1961 and Fanon could not possibly predict the future. Or could he? His knowledge and understanding of Marxism and colonialism made him able to predict exactly how things would go down as many countries in the world move past colonialism. I particularly enjoyed the chapters on national culture as well as the psychological effects of colonialism. These two chapters are masterpieces and should be required reading for anyone interested in learning about, and fighting colonialism. It’s a shame that the structure of this book makes it so disorganized. 4/5

dominiquefragments's review against another edition

4.0

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

rebeccaiross's review against another edition

4.0

informative inspiring medium-paced

meat_muffin's review against another edition

5.0

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

Content Warnings

thatonehouseelf's review against another edition

4.0

challenging informative medium-paced

kwaybytheway's review against another edition

5.0

challenging informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

Required reading. A Masterclass in what it means to liberate oneself and one's people. It deserves all the praise it's received and more! I experienced growth and change in my real life as I went through these chapters. I am so grateful to have had a buddy to read along with. Our discussions activated so many pathways in my brain that were latent, dormant, or intentionally tucked away bc I thought it impossible to achieve. The way he skillfully connects the dense, winding perils of colonization to the manifestation of those centuries of inhumanity within a person who has been colonized!!! Absolutely mind-blowing. He reinforced the fact that we cannot use a system designed to destroy us to secure our freedom. We must break away from the colonized/colonizer agreement to build our nations. It sounds grand when I type it that way, but he emphasized the necessity of starting small. Not rushing. Including everyone. Explaining things in detail to every one!! Polticizing people comes from information not mission statements. Not becoming big headed within the cause to the point you're a demagogue. Not allowing colonial powers to satiate us with minor concessions. Ignoring the urge to compete with their model of success. He even tugged my wig a few times about not overusing language that sounds smart, but reaches few. Anything can be explained to a person if you want them to understand.

I am immediately passing this through my family and insisting we all talk about it. I will be revisiting ina few years to grow further in my process. I appreciated everything he took the time to examine, and how he didn't shy away from harsh truths on either side. I was heart broken and then hopeful.
Every one should read this book.