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A review by bkwrm1317
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Wow. What a powerful debut.
Simultaneously commenting on all that makes the US carceral system the evil that it is, and narrating characters who bring to life the embodiment of hope in a hopeless world, and love in a world of violence, this novel packs quite a punch.
The added statistics throughout actually made the story more impactful, as it roots readers in the realities of the carceral system and how it doubly harms Black and Brown bodies, as well as femmes, queer and trans folks, etc.
Simultaneously commenting on all that makes the US carceral system the evil that it is, and narrating characters who bring to life the embodiment of hope in a hopeless world, and love in a world of violence, this novel packs quite a punch.
The added statistics throughout actually made the story more impactful, as it roots readers in the realities of the carceral system and how it doubly harms Black and Brown bodies, as well as femmes, queer and trans folks, etc.