Reviews

Orientalism by Edward W. Said

m4rvtr's review against another edition

challenging informative slow-paced

grantmcme's review

4.0

This one deserve a re-read by me. The narrorator of the audiobook I listened to was a dry as a bone.

casparb's review against another edition

4.0

'Before and after book' is a phrase I believe has entered the common lexis - the idea of a book that changes the reader's perspective to the extent that their thinking may be demarcated into 'before' and 'after reading'.

This may well be a suitable descriptor of Orientalism for me. For the unaware, Orientalism is often considered an initiator of post-colonial criticism, with a focus on what (in Western circles) is termed the 'near', rather than 'far' East.

I was warned by informed sources that this text was rather dry and technical - which was a little daunting for me. I'm not always one for non-fiction. This warning appears valid (in my opinion), as Said (wonderfully) references Gramsci, Althusser, and the likes of Spengler before even the end of the introduction. I do not think I would have finished this book had I attempted it a year ago.

However, I am very glad that I have read it! It's a genuinely incredible piece of scholarship that spans centuries. Said refuses to take any shit from the scholars he discusses - he is particularly merciless at pointing out the psychosexual aspects of so many Western commentaries on the 'Orient'. I found this delightful.

lmendlein's review

challenging dark emotional informative slow-paced

4.0

yuzureads's review

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.25

harukoreads's review

4.0

I can see why this is considered such a foundational text - Said is thorough, well-reasoned, and so, so intelligent. The thoroughness of his writing does make this book DENSE at times, but I appreciate the attention to detail, and I'm in awe of how he often he clearly explains complex concepts that in another writer's hands (mine) could devolve into incoherent spluttering about the injustices of Orientalism. It's well worth the effort to read this book even with its slower moments.

harpygon's review against another edition

I‘m just too busy with school rn to read such a dense and slow book. Will probably pick it up again, once I am through with exams :) 

irisilia's review

challenging informative reflective slow-paced

4.25

An essential work in post-colonial studies with some gaps especially about intersectionality 

adorableautist's review

challenging funny informative inspiring reflective sad slow-paced

5.0

Said's Orientalism is an enduringly relevant and compassionate work, with a writing style that is equal parts dense and charming. Said's wit and academic integrity allow him to engage with his subjects both compassionately and ruthlessly, often critiquing their lack of academic rigor and artistic merit as much as their racism. My only complaint is that the thoroughness and breadth of Said's evidence can sometimes bring the book's pacing to a crawl. This book is mandatory reading for any study of post-colonialism or humanism.

mad3n's review

5.0

Edward Said is a pioneering brilliance!! He gives language and a framework for understanding the ways in which the West has understood and defined itself in a position of superiority to "the orient", specifically the Arabic speaking world, long before such discourse was given breath in western literature. He documents from pre-colonialism to modern day how certain perspectives and literary documentations of "the orient" made the way for western imperialism, colonialism, stereotypes, exploitation, dehumanization, etc. He chronicles the ways in which these attitudes influenced human history, and how they are alive today and baked into western consciousness and governmental policy in a way that continues to cause detrimental harm to MENA communities. Said also offers well rounded perspective on how to acknowledge Orientalism and proceed in a humanistic way from the unjust realities it has created to build a better world. I can't wait to read his other books. Said is a legend and I wish his work was more widely discussed in academic and political arenas.