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jlemiaj's review against another edition
4.0
I read some other reviews that described this as a disappointing read, full of repetition of other works, but I think those reviewers may not be the target audience for this book. I am not as familiar with her writing, so this was a strong set of essays for me, and provide some good fodder for my own thinking about the exportation of our country's worst elements.
brerasterne's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
2.75
"Indian nationalists and the government seem to believe that they can fortify their idea of a resurgent India with a combination of bullying and Boeing airplanes. But they don't understand the subversive strength of warm boiled eggs."
In a series of short essays, Roy critiques the state of India's government, all the way from their militaristic pursuits in Kashmir, to their rampant classism and Hindu nationalism, and their hegemony over conscience and political thought. No one can escape the wrath of her pen, for the United States are also called out on their imperialism and their interventionism whilst parroting as a star of "human rights". Roy writes with (rightful) anger and a passion for justice, and sprinkles her writing with witty remarks. She paints a horrifying image of the world, but also calls for resistance and hope. It reads like longform poetry, which I really enjoyed.
I think the book might be a bit too introductory for people well-read in India's affairs and economical/political thought. I'm a beginner in this topic, so I guess the book was perfect for me! But I understand why avant readers of Roy's work feel a little disappointed.
In a series of short essays, Roy critiques the state of India's government, all the way from their militaristic pursuits in Kashmir, to their rampant classism and Hindu nationalism, and their hegemony over conscience and political thought. No one can escape the wrath of her pen, for the United States are also called out on their imperialism and their interventionism whilst parroting as a star of "human rights". Roy writes with (rightful) anger and a passion for justice, and sprinkles her writing with witty remarks. She paints a horrifying image of the world, but also calls for resistance and hope. It reads like longform poetry, which I really enjoyed.
I think the book might be a bit too introductory for people well-read in India's affairs and economical/political thought. I'm a beginner in this topic, so I guess the book was perfect for me! But I understand why avant readers of Roy's work feel a little disappointed.
devoutcyborg's review against another edition
4.0
“Ever since the Great Depression, the manufacture of weapons and the export of war have been key ways in which the United States has stimulated its economy.”
siwdina's review against another edition
4.0
Arundhati Roy's writing is like a flashlight that uncovers things we might not have noticed before. She talks about how capitalism can actually make life harder for many people. Imagine a ghost—something you can't see, but you can feel its presence. Roy shows how capitalism's effects are like ghosts that haunt our society, making it unequal and unjust.
I know this book is about India. But as a Sri Lankan so much of it resonated with me especially because it uncovers how the capitalist elite can influence political decisions, often at the cost of marginalized communities. And Sri Lankas became very much aware of this cost during the past two years.
I know this book is about India. But as a Sri Lankan so much of it resonated with me especially because it uncovers how the capitalist elite can influence political decisions, often at the cost of marginalized communities. And Sri Lankas became very much aware of this cost during the past two years.
noel_rene_cisneros's review against another edition
4.0
Una serie de ensayos que exploran la forma en la que el capitalismo se mantiene y excluye a una inmensa parte de la población. Lectura que centrada en la situación de la India, no deja de arrojar luz sobre la situación global