Scan barcode
A review by chioma_a
Chain-Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
It' honestly hard to put into words how good this books is, but I'll try.
Adjei-Brenyah does exactly what great fiction is meant to do in this book, he looks unflinchingly towards the posts of our society that are intentionally obscured and distorted. He calls upon the fear and anger living inside each of us that makes it so easy to turn away from abolition, to believe that our saftely depends on the disposal of the millions of people currently caught inside of the ever-churning prision industrial complex. Where many would turn away, Adjei-Brenyah urges us to look with compassion and belief in the human capacity for change and love and forgiveness. That hasn't even begun to touch on the deft hand with which Adjei-Brenyah breathes life and dimension into his characters, or the way his action scenes grip everything in you. I genuinely believe that every person alive today needs to read this book, and that we'd be much better off if we did.
Adjei-Brenyah does exactly what great fiction is meant to do in this book, he looks unflinchingly towards the posts of our society that are intentionally obscured and distorted. He calls upon the fear and anger living inside each of us that makes it so easy to turn away from abolition, to believe that our saftely depends on the disposal of the millions of people currently caught inside of the ever-churning prision industrial complex. Where many would turn away, Adjei-Brenyah urges us to look with compassion and belief in the human capacity for change and love and forgiveness. That hasn't even begun to touch on the deft hand with which Adjei-Brenyah breathes life and dimension into his characters, or the way his action scenes grip everything in you. I genuinely believe that every person alive today needs to read this book, and that we'd be much better off if we did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Torture, Violence, and Police brutality
Moderate: Confinement, Death, and Suicidal thoughts