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andotherworlds's review
4.0
3.5-4 // This book was quite informative and interesting to read (I listened to it on audio and still found it to be very engaging). It was only until just recently that I realized I actually have read some of Snyder's work in the past and enjoyed it. Overall a quick, but interesting read. (Much of what it discusses is somewhat obvious and well-known, but I find that it's use of historical examples reinforces and proves this common ideology).
popsiwinkle's review
4.0
Written in 2017, this book sadly has become a prescient text. Some threads were already in evidence in 2017 but more of the 20 lessons have become evident since then. And yes, it focuses on Trump as a warning, but as a Brit there are also things to concern us that are already happening. It left me wondering what the US and UK elections of 2024 will bring us, will we have paid attention to the lessons that are now so obvious or allow things to get worse? The final few lessons are advice about what we can do, sadly the ones who need that message won't read it.
da_bos's review
2.0
I sympathize with the politics of this book(let), but it's a bit light on substance. I would have expected more from a historian.
hadley_jade's review
informative
medium-paced
2.0
For his speak of "better" journalism, Snyder relies on a climate of fear and the use of popular examples in conflict to sell his literature. While I agree on select remarks, the author establishes a condescending tone to its readership and fails to forward lesser known but equally salient examples of fascism, war, and human struggle, to a general audience. I'm not confident the author establishes a novel or revolutionary argument himself, but retells the opinions and themes of individuals with greater impact, leading me to question the merits for writing a philosophical summary or who the target audience is. Favourite passage is where Snyder provides a reading list of material that captures his point better than the author could himself.
cdjdhj's review
4.0
This book should be read by everyone in the era of Trump. Snyder gives thought provoking yet terrifying parallels between Trump, Putin and Hitler.