65 pages • 2 hours read
Blood in the Water
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
752
Book • Nonfiction
New York • 1970s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Blood in the Water by Heather Ann Thompson explores the 1971 uprising at Attica prison, its violent retaking by state forces, and the subsequent legal and political repercussions. The book delves into the causes of the revolt, including overcrowding and inhumane conditions, the state's brutal response, and the ongoing struggle for justice by inmates and hostages' families against a backdrop of cover-ups and prosecutions. The book contains detailed discussions of violence, torture, and state brutality.
Informative
Dark
Challenging
Unnerving
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
5,630 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Heather Ann Thompson's Blood in the Water combines meticulous research with compelling narrative. Critics praise its depth, scholarly rigor, and emotional impact. However, some find its extensive detail overwhelming. Overall, it's celebrated as a powerful, essential account of the Attica Prison uprising.
Who Should Read Blood in the Water?
Readers captivated by Blood in the Water by Heather Ann Thompson are likely interested in historical accounts, criminal justice issues, and civil rights. Fans of The New Jim Crow and The Warmth of Other Suns will find this in-depth examination of the Attica prison uprising and its aftermath compelling and enlightening.
5,630 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
752
Book • Nonfiction
New York • 1970s
2016
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.