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ceramicduck's reviews
127 reviews
Babel by R.F. Kuang
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Twelve Who Ruled: The Year of Terror in the French Revolution by R. R. Palmer
informative
medium-paced
4.75
How to Be an Anticapitalist in the Twenty-First Century by Erik Olin Wright
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.25
Uncommon Wealth: Britain and the Aftermath of Empire by Kojo Koram
informative
medium-paced
4.0
Highlights the inadequacy of any understanding of the British Isles' economic and social history without an equivalent knowledge of the British Empire. The author does an excellent job of explaining the practices inherited by the Britain of the twentieth and twenty first century from the Empire, and dispels the myth of the 'island story' given as Britain's history today.
The book isn't comprehensive, which is understandable, it isn't possible to write a total account of the relationship between the modern and historical Britain in a single, relatively small volume. The topics that are included in the book are well chosen to help to demonstrate the relationship however, and inform the reader on some of the more pressing or discussed aspects. The author gives particular attention to the economic consequences and continuities that began with the British Empire, including the effect on Britain today.
Overall, it is an excellent and readable book, and a necessary corrective to the pernicious myth peddled about the British Empire and modern day Britain and the Overseas Territories.
The book isn't comprehensive, which is understandable, it isn't possible to write a total account of the relationship between the modern and historical Britain in a single, relatively small volume. The topics that are included in the book are well chosen to help to demonstrate the relationship however, and inform the reader on some of the more pressing or discussed aspects. The author gives particular attention to the economic consequences and continuities that began with the British Empire, including the effect on Britain today.
Overall, it is an excellent and readable book, and a necessary corrective to the pernicious myth peddled about the British Empire and modern day Britain and the Overseas Territories.
The Book of Ramallah: A City in Short Fiction by Maya Abu Al-Hayat
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
A compelling collection of short stories. As every story is focused on a single place, it helps to have some knowledge of the history of Ramallah. This necessity is emphasised due to the length of the stories, which precludes extensive exposition or contextualisation.
The Stone Gods by Jeanette Winterson
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5