5.0
challenging dark emotional informative medium-paced

This is an incredibly important, poignant, and horrifying book. The depths people will stoop to in the name of colonialism, progress, and greed is beyond frightening. Hochschild’s writing is engaging, accessible, and thoughtful. He describes the figures involved in a well-rounded way that shows the depths and complexities of their characters. He is empathetic, and recognizes where the book is lacking, namely in the voices of the Congolese who were most impacted. Overall, an essential history read.