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The Wretched of the Earth

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1961

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Book Brief

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Frantz Fanon

The Wretched of the Earth

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1961
Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Postcolonial Africa • 1960s

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon examines the decolonization process during the Algerian War of Independence, advocating for the necessity of violence in the struggle against colonial oppression. Inspired by Marxist and Leninist ideas, Fanon critiques the dehumanizing impact of colonization on both the colonized and colonizers, urging disenfranchised populations to reject European values and find their own path to liberation. The book includes graphic descriptions of violence, torture, and psychological trauma.

Challenging

Dark

Informative

Unnerving

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.6

30,000 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon is lauded for its incisive analysis of colonialism and its psychological impact. Critics praise its revolutionary perspective and compelling prose. However, some find its call to violence controversial and its theoretical portions dense. Overall, it remains a cornerstone in postcolonial studies and revolutionary literature.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Wretched of the Earth?

Readers who would appreciate The Wretched of the Earth by Frantz Fanon are often interested in anti-colonial literature, postcolonial studies, and social justice. They may also enjoy Orientalism by Edward Said and Pedagogy of the Oppressed by Paulo Freire due to their profound critiques of oppressive structures and exploration of freedom.

4.6

30,000 ratings

85%

Loved it

11%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

320

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Setting

Postcolonial Africa • 1960s

Publication Year

1961

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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