Reviews and Comments

In the darkest corners of human existence, where hope seems a distant memory, Viktor E. Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" emerges as a profound testament to the indomitable human spirit. This is a story of tragedy and triumph, illustrating the power of hope and resilience.

The Holocaust, one of the greatest tragedies in human history, casts a long shadow over Viktor E. Frankl's narrative. Deported to concentration camps, Frankl confronts the depths of human suffering and loss. Yet, amidst the ruins of humanity, he uncovers a remarkable truth: the unbreakable human spirit. His story, interwoven with the silent struggles of his fellow inmates, serves as a universal symbol of resistance against despair and dehumanization.

Central to the book is the quest for life’s meaning. Frankl's experiences in the concentration camps profoundly influenced his existential outlook and his perspective on life, emphasizing the significance of finding meaning even in the most extreme conditions, maintaining a positive attitude, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

His personal suffering and the loss of his loved ones during this period reinforced his belief in the necessity of finding purpose. He proposes that suffering, love, and work are key paths to discovering life's meaning. Suffering, he argues, is not devoid of meaning but a potential source of it. Life, Frankl argues, holds a purpose in all circumstances, and our primary drive is to uncover this meaning.

This is a profound and philosophical question. The topic of life and death has been explored in depth in philosophy, religion, and literature throughout history. Like Victor E. Frankl, some philosophers argue that the awareness of mortality can give life meaning and urgency, leading to a fuller and more complete life. Martin Heidegger claimed that ‘being-towards-death’ grounds the temporality of Dasein (the experience of human beings), which is foundational for the meaning we give our lives.

On the other side, some, like Susanna Siegel, argue that life could be complete without death if one lives fully and realizes their potential. I’m leaning towards the latter, mostly because I am influenced by Epicurus, the ancient Greek philosopher, who argued that a correct understanding of death, may eliminate the fear of death, which is essential to having a happy life. Ultimately, I believe that the completeness of human life may be more about how one lives rather than the inevitability of death.

Frankl’s observations of human behaviour in the camps, where he witnessed acts of kindness and selflessness amid extreme suffering, also shaped his belief in the importance of individual choice and attitude, leading to his famous insight that "we always retain the ability to choose our attitude." He wrote:

"We who lived in concentration camps can remember the men who walked through the huts, comforting others and giving away their last piece of bread. They may have been few in number, but they offer sufficient proof that everything can be taken from a man, but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way."

In the context of the Holocaust, freedom too takes on a new dimension. It is not a static state but a dynamic process. Despite the constraints of their circumstances, individuals possess the power to interpret, respond to, and even transform their situations. This form of freedom is not about escaping conditions but about how we engage with them. It is a call to embrace our capacity to shape our destiny, even amidst various constraints.

The latter part of the book introduces logotherapy, Frankl's psychological approach that emphasizes the pursuit of meaning. Logotherapy (logos is a Greek word that denotes meaning) is based on the premise that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud suggested, nor power, as Adler argued, but rather the pursuit of what we find meaningful. This theory has contributed significantly to existential and humanistic psychology, emphasizing the individual's search for meaning as a key to mental health.

Viktor E. Frankl's book can have a profound impact on the reader. It’s not just a narrative of survival. It is an invitation to choose to find a purpose or meaning in any situation, including the worst conditions. In the darkest of places, he reminds us that we can still find light and meaning, ultimately shaping our own destiny.

Helen DeWitt is known for her intelligent, sharply written, and often unconventional narratives, which frequently incorporate themes about language, and mathematics, as well as an exploration of genius and human capability.

In "The English Understand Wool," DeWitt does not deviate from her distinctive style. The novella follows the life of Marguerite, a 17-year-old girl whose formative years were spent in the vibrant city of Marrakech. The plot revolves around her experiences and interactions in a world filled with an eclectic array of characters, and her quest to maintain her authenticity despite the obstacles presented by the powerful literary agents, editors, and lawyers in New York.

The novella serves as a poignant critique of the profit-driven mechanisms governing the publishing industry, offering a satirical commentary that unmasks the inherent hypocrisies permeating our society. At the same time, it passionately defends the intrinsic value of education while daring to scrutinize the often unquestioned norms governing our lives.

The story is characterised by DeWitt’s unique writing style; multilayered, intelligent, thought-provoking and sharply written. Just as she does in her other literary works, DeWitt confronts and deconstructs the traditional confines of storytelling. She ventures deep into the convoluted realms of intellectual discourse, navigating its complexities with finesse. In this particular work, she explores the themes of education and human potential with remarkable insight and with her signature humour and wit, making this exploration not only enlightening but also delightfully engaging.

In Chain-Gang All-Stars, Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah masterfully crafts a harrowing and introspective exploration of America's prison system, racial injustice, and the perils of capitalist entertainment. The novel immerses readers in a world where prisoners, facing either execution or long-term imprisonment, are given the option to participate in a televised death match called Criminal Action Penal Entertainment (CAPE).

Adjei-Brenyah crafts a speculative vision of a society that has embraced the commodification of human life, turning incarcerated individuals into modern-day gladiators. The brutal fights for survival serve as a metaphor for the systematic oppression and violence experienced by marginalized communities. Through the stories of the main characters, Loretta Thurwar and Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx" Stacker, Adjei-Brenyah explores the transcendent struggle for humanity that extends beyond physical boundaries.

One of the most intriguing aspects of "Chain-Gang All-Stars" is the inclusion of Emily, a well-meaning white woman who becomes engrossed in the CAPE show. Through Emily's character, Adjei-Brenyah highlights the complexities of privilege and complicity. Emily's journey serves as a reminder of how easily individuals can become desensitized to violence when it is packaged as corporate entertainment. Adjei-Brenyah's portrayal of Emily's awakening raises questions about the exploitation of the incarcerated for profit, the complacency of violence, and the societal responsibility to dismantle such institutions.

Thus far, she’d feigned the role of moral overseer, interested, maybe even addicted, but rarely partial in that final way. She was passing through Chain-Gang, lingering perhaps, but always just passing through. And yet, here she was, tears in her eyes, her voice shaking as she screamed for the murder of a man she’d only discovered existed moments before.

The novel is a complex and compelling exploration of the human condition. While reading, I found myself grappling with the brutality depicted in the book, often needing to pause and reflect on the profound impact of the narrative. Adjei-Brenyah's unflinching portrayal of the systemic brutality experienced by the characters evokes a range of emotions, from anger and sorrow to hope and a determination to work towards change.

Chain-Gang All-Stars leaves readers with a multitude of ethical questions. Adjei-Brenyah prompts us to consider the value of life and the consequences of our silence and inaction in the face of violence. The novel challenges us to examine our personal and societal responsibilities in preventing harm and advancing justice. It forces us to confront the barriers to self-love and love for others at an institutional and societal level. How much violence are we willing to accept? Can unconditional self-love be equated with unconditional love for others? These thought-provoking questions linger long after turning the last page.

At its core, Chain-Gang All-Stars is a profound commentary on humanity, justice, and the price of silence in the face of systemic brutality. Adjei-Brenyah's unique storytelling approach, combined with his insightful exploration of contemporary issues, makes this novel a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of racism, incarceration, and the normalization of violence.

"Eve" by Cat Bohannon offers a comprehensive and compelling re-examination of human evolution, emphasizing the significant role of the female body in shaping our species' evolutionary history and societies.  Drawing upon disciplines such as evolutionary biology, physiology, palaeoanthropology, and genetics, Bohannon challenges the long-standing male-centric narrative of human development and brings attention to the contributions of the female body.

The book begins with a captivating tour of mammalian development, tracing back to the Jurassic era. By emphasizing the role of women, Bohannon provides an alternative narrative that sheds light on the often overlooked aspects of human evolution. Through this lens, she presents a new history of our species, one that highlights the evolutionary significance of the female body.

One of the primary goals of "Eve" is to challenge stereotypes and encourage readers to reconsider traditional narratives. Bohannon highlights the limitations of evolutionary reasoning that have perpetuated male-centric views. By doing so, she urges us to recognize the essential role of women in shaping our society and future.

Throughout the book, Bohannon explores various aspects of the female body that have influenced human evolution and continue to impact contemporary society. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, cognitive differences, menopause, and other biological factors are thoroughly examined, emphasising their significance in shaping our species. By delving into subjects such as midwifery, gynaecology, and prenatal care, Bohannon highlights the biological and social adaptations related to the female body that have contributed to our survival and flourishing as a species.

In her analysis, Bohannon also addresses the historical bias in scientific research, which has often prioritised male bodies and excluded female bodies from studies. This biased approach has resulted in an incomplete understanding of human evolution and health. By shedding light on this issue, Bohannon calls for a more inclusive and comprehensive approach to scientific research, highlighting the importance of considering both male and female bodies.

Bohannon's insightful analysis of the evolution of our culture emphasises the profound influence of traits such as problem-solving, collaboration, and storytelling. She suggests that the evolutionary forces and the role of the female body in shaping these traits have played a pivotal role in our shared human experience.

Through extensive research and engaging storytelling, Cat Bohannon challenges traditional beliefs and assumptions and encourages us to recognise and celebrate the strength and the essential role of women in our evolutionary history. "Eve" serves as a reminder that our shared history is a tapestry woven by the remarkable influence of women throughout time.

Alberto Toscano's book "Late Fascism: Race, Capitalism, and the Politics of Crisis" challenges conventional understandings of fascism, that associate fascism primarily with the kind of political violence experienced by past European regimes, offering instead a nuanced perspective that transcends historical boundaries.
 
 Toscano’s main argument is that the traditional framework for identifying and understanding contemporary fascism is insufficient. Mussolini's and Hitler's Germany, he argues, were not isolated phenomena but rather crystallisations of a broader historical process. The association between fascism and a monolithic, bureaucratic state, as dictated by Italian fascism or national socialism, is insufficient to comprehend modern fascism. Instead, Toscano proposes that we should see fascism as a changeable process formed by racial and colonial capitalism and one that is intimately linked to capitalism's demands for domination.
 
 Toscano's analysis of far-right movements, particularly in the U.S., extends beyond historical fascist regimes. Drawing inspiration from Black radical and anti-colonial theories, he explores the intersection of fascism, settler colonial formations, and extreme neoliberalism. By drawing on the insights of figures like Angela Davis and George Jackson, whose work sheds light on the racial dynamics and power structures that underpin far-right movements, Toscano exposes the racialised nature of political violence, emphasising the systemic targeting of marginalised communities.
 
 To gain a deeper understanding of their complexity, Toscano examines the underlying political economy of far-right movements. He suggests that these movements arise from a sense of white homogeneity and the fear of annihilation and victimisation among privileged groups. Toscano introduces the concept of "repressive egalitarianism" within fascism, highlighting its foundations in an identity of subjection and a brotherhood of hatred. This notion challenges the notion that fascism is solely about the domination of one group over another. Instead, Toscano argues that fascism operates through a reproduction of power dynamics, sustaining itself by suppressing and eliminating those who are different or deemed as "other."
 
 While Toscano does not explicitly discuss the relationship between fascism and feminism, his analysis of fascism could potentially be extended to consider gender hierarchies. Historically, fascists have generally argued that women's primary function was domestic and reproductive, expecting women to produce the future citizens, soldiers, and mothers of the race. The position of women in contemporary far-right parties is not dissimilar, promising to respect the advances made by women but attacking feminists and advocating policies that would actually remove many gains.
 
 Fascism is a contentious topic that continues to shape the political landscape around the world. By understanding its historical roots and contemporary manifestations, we can actively fight its influence and work towards a society that embraces diversity and equality.