Scan barcode
reemap's review against another edition
5.0
All 118 pages of this were incredible to read. It’s very clearly timely for when it was written (US going to war with Iraq) but so much of the discussion and parallels (sadly) hold true to this day. It’s definitely a provocative book- in the best way.
sh_ooshan's review against another edition
4.0
Roy does not shy away from saying what's on her mind. As always.
twistinthetale's review against another edition
4.0
Having only read Roy's fiction, namely "The God of Small Things", this was quite a surprise package. Coming in on the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks, this selection of essays and speeches is concerned with democracy under siege by Empire (and most specifically by the US government). Roy refers to the war machine, economic exploits, racism and the control of media which work to undermine civil rights. She calls upon citizens to regain their democratic powers and reign in their US government. This is a passionate look at global justice and injustice that is still very relevant today.
onceandfuturelaura's review against another edition
3.0
Collection of her speeches. Very readable. Very short. She does compare herself to the pardoned White House turkey. Good times. Not anything I didn’t know – the system is brutal and people are duped into thinking they are free. Went through some specifics in India that I didn’t know where the oppression was not terribly subtle.
bithikahalder's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
apurvazutshi's review against another edition
3.0
Could have been rated 4 stars if it had less repetitions.
roshonline12's review against another edition
4.0
Reading Arundhati Roy's essays is like filling fresh coal into a steam engine. The more you read her accounts on the inhuman cruelty meted out against millions of people in the guise of progress and reform the higher this flame of anger rises inside you. Her analysis on big dams and the devastation they can bring about felt apt with what we, the people of Kerala, had to face during the floods.
nivikins's review against another edition
2.0
Evidently the "ordinary person" referred to in the title must be hit over the head repeatedly with the same tired rants against neoliberalism and far right radicalism to be properly introduced to empire. Needlessly repetitive and insufficiently nuanced for anyone with more than a passing knowledge of international politics and development. Credit where credit is due, though - Roy can rage against the machine like no one else. The energy and passion in her arguments are almost tangible; I just wish they were a little more constructive.