Book Reviews
Our book reviews are from alternative, more globalised perspectives that do not place European ideals at the centre of gravity.
Saudi Arabia and Iran by Simon Mabon
8/10 Is it regional rivalry or global power rivalry that continues to play out in the Middle East? Simon Mabon, a …
“Persepolis” 19 years on: still relevant?
7/10 Persepolis is a very interesting book. Originally written in French, it essentially constitutes an autobiography of its author, Marjane …
Life lessons from Kahlil Gibran’s “The Prophet”
The featured image is a painting by the author discussed, Kahlil Gibran. For more information Google “خمسة” or “Hamsa”. *** …
Why I hate Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist”
4/10 Originally written in Portuguese, Paulo Coelho’s book follows the journey of an Andalusian shepherd from Spain through North Africa …
Imperialism: The Highest Stage of Capitalism by Vladimir Lenin
6/10 I have never read a book full of so many enigmas. It is interesting, for example, that Lenin should …
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli
8/10 Machiavelli. A historian, diplomat, writer, politician, activist, philosopher. What an incredible life this individual lived, fortunate enough to be …
The Twenty Years’ Crisis, 1919-1939 by E. H. Carr
9/10 This book is incredible – in fact, many people suggest that it should be required reading for all politics students. Edward …
The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus
9/10 I tried beginning this book three times; the first time in a hostel in the middle of Mostar; but …
The Dice Man by Luke Rinehart
7/10 ‘The rules are all around you. The rules that stop you seducing your neighbour downstairs, that stop you hitting …
The Devil in the Flesh by Raymond Radiguet
9/10 In this work of art, Raymond Radiguet asserts himself as that postmodern writer par excellence. The Frenchman demands respect …
Notes from Underground by Fyodor Dostoevsky
8/10 Though I love to read, a technologically ever-changing environment of distractions occupying one’s time with leisurely activities and entertainment …