Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile)'s Reviews > Chain-Gang All-Stars
Chain-Gang All-Stars
by
by
How do you describe a story that you didn't like but was unable to put down? I can't say I "enjoyed" this one in the true sense of the term. Darker than I had anticipated, shockingly violent but extraordinarily creative and powerful, this novel is a memorable read!
So here goes...
“It was all death, slow or fast. Painful or sudden. Nothing more. The culture of Chain- Gang was death.”
Set in a dystopian alternate reality, part dystopian action drama, part social commentary Chain- Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah revolves around the commercially successful Criminal Action Penal Entertainment program or CAPE in which convicted murderers in the prison system who sign up are divided into Chain Gangs comprised of “links” who fight death matches with links from other chain gangs – bloodsport that is televised, played at “The Battleground” to packed houses with a mass fan following. As the gladiators compete with their weapons of choice, those victorious gradually rise through the ranks toward the ultimate win – freedom as per the laws and rules set in place.
The narrative follows two of the most popular gladiators - Loretta Thurwar who has been in the Circuit for over thirty-five months, earning the rank of Grand Colossal and is a few wins away from freedom; next in line in her chain is Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker, also Thurwar’s lover. We also meet several other links from different chains, each of whom has a story to tell and reasons for joining the CAPE program. In contrast to the immense popularity and mass fan following , we also meet activist groups protesting the inhumane practices and violence at every match being played. We also get a glimpse into the forces at play behind the matches and the entities that have their own interests to protect - lawmakers, producers, and advertisers - their convictions, motivations and the extent to which they would go to protect their interests.
“There is a space in time when violence tears through from imagined to physical—and if that physical is met with more physical, then the violence can become both the vehicle and driver for all that comes after, and what has escaped can be incredibly difficult to contain.”
The narrative follows these characters and threads in the days leading up to Thurwar’s final match. Will she be “Freed”?
Those of you who follow my reviews will know that I do not shy away from dark, gritty reads but Chain- Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah both shook me and shocked me with its depiction of human depravity and graphic violence. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is brilliant as is the concept. The bond between the links, and how they are impacted by one another’s victories and defeats (deaths) are described with much insight and sensitivity as is the mental and physical effort that goes into their individual processes –the choices they make, and how they deal with their conscience in the aftermath of the violence they both inflict and endure, reminding us that ultimately these "links" and "chain gangs" are human beings whose lives are being toyed with in the name of profit and entertainment. The commentary on capitalism and commercialism, racism, and unfair practices in the American prison system, is cleverly done often using satirical elements and the footnotes to explain the rules and laws of the alternate version of America to do the same. Atmospheric and intense, with sharp writing and superb characterizations , this is a novel that I could not stop reading despite the dark and bleak content.
Initially, I was alternating between reading and listening to the full-cast audio narration by Shayna Small, Aaron Goodson, Michael Crouch and Lee Osorio. While the narrators have done a brilliant job of bringing the characters and the story to life, I found the numerous subplots and characters difficult to follow on audio alone. It was also difficult to differentiate between the narrative and the footnotes. I would recommend keeping the book handy or simply pairing the audio with the book to fully engage with the story.
Needless to say, this is not an easy read. Please note that there are scenes of graphic violence that may be triggering for some.
“They were all humans, and yet they had completely different ideas about what humanity meant.”
So here goes...
“It was all death, slow or fast. Painful or sudden. Nothing more. The culture of Chain- Gang was death.”
Set in a dystopian alternate reality, part dystopian action drama, part social commentary Chain- Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah revolves around the commercially successful Criminal Action Penal Entertainment program or CAPE in which convicted murderers in the prison system who sign up are divided into Chain Gangs comprised of “links” who fight death matches with links from other chain gangs – bloodsport that is televised, played at “The Battleground” to packed houses with a mass fan following. As the gladiators compete with their weapons of choice, those victorious gradually rise through the ranks toward the ultimate win – freedom as per the laws and rules set in place.
The narrative follows two of the most popular gladiators - Loretta Thurwar who has been in the Circuit for over thirty-five months, earning the rank of Grand Colossal and is a few wins away from freedom; next in line in her chain is Hamara "Hurricane Staxxx” Stacker, also Thurwar’s lover. We also meet several other links from different chains, each of whom has a story to tell and reasons for joining the CAPE program. In contrast to the immense popularity and mass fan following , we also meet activist groups protesting the inhumane practices and violence at every match being played. We also get a glimpse into the forces at play behind the matches and the entities that have their own interests to protect - lawmakers, producers, and advertisers - their convictions, motivations and the extent to which they would go to protect their interests.
“There is a space in time when violence tears through from imagined to physical—and if that physical is met with more physical, then the violence can become both the vehicle and driver for all that comes after, and what has escaped can be incredibly difficult to contain.”
The narrative follows these characters and threads in the days leading up to Thurwar’s final match. Will she be “Freed”?
Those of you who follow my reviews will know that I do not shy away from dark, gritty reads but Chain- Gang All-Stars by Nana Kwame Adjei-Brenyah both shook me and shocked me with its depiction of human depravity and graphic violence. Don’t get me wrong, the writing is brilliant as is the concept. The bond between the links, and how they are impacted by one another’s victories and defeats (deaths) are described with much insight and sensitivity as is the mental and physical effort that goes into their individual processes –the choices they make, and how they deal with their conscience in the aftermath of the violence they both inflict and endure, reminding us that ultimately these "links" and "chain gangs" are human beings whose lives are being toyed with in the name of profit and entertainment. The commentary on capitalism and commercialism, racism, and unfair practices in the American prison system, is cleverly done often using satirical elements and the footnotes to explain the rules and laws of the alternate version of America to do the same. Atmospheric and intense, with sharp writing and superb characterizations , this is a novel that I could not stop reading despite the dark and bleak content.
Initially, I was alternating between reading and listening to the full-cast audio narration by Shayna Small, Aaron Goodson, Michael Crouch and Lee Osorio. While the narrators have done a brilliant job of bringing the characters and the story to life, I found the numerous subplots and characters difficult to follow on audio alone. It was also difficult to differentiate between the narrative and the footnotes. I would recommend keeping the book handy or simply pairing the audio with the book to fully engage with the story.
Needless to say, this is not an easy read. Please note that there are scenes of graphic violence that may be triggering for some.
“They were all humans, and yet they had completely different ideas about what humanity meant.”
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Reading Progress
Started Reading
June 29, 2023
– Shelved
June 29, 2023
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 60 (60 new)
message 1:
by
Jayme
(new)
Jun 29, 2023 04:43PM
I am already intrigued!
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message 4:
by
Bec (becbingesbooks) - sorry, behind with lots of catching up to do
(new)
Very interesting - I'm both intrigued and nervous to pick this up. Looking forward to seeing your full review!
Sujoya~I think you said it pretty well❣️ This book does sound intriguing. You are definitely Reading A Lot, so understand feeling overbooked. Take it Easy, you will Get to the Books when you can. 💗
Sujoya, what a great review. I think you managed to tell us why you couldn’t put down a book you didn’t like!
I love this review. I’ve definitely read books that weren’t really my thing but were still totally engaging. I actually like the sound of this one - even though I’m not a fan of gruesome violence!
I definitely struggled with the violence/graphic detail in the novel, but appreciate the additional perspective you had! Thank you for a thoughtful and thorough review, Sujoya!
I've been seeing this one pop up more on reading lists, Sujoya, so I'm glad to get your take on it. It's not for me right now, but at the right time and mood, maybe. I liked you descriptive word, memorable :-)
Powerful review, Sujoya. Sounds like a complicated read. Appreciate all the notes on content and format.
I think I'll pass....too gritty for me! Thank you for your review Sujoya. This sounds like it was a stressful read!
This sounds like a memorable read - but that's a good point about the audio narration. Wonderful review, Sujoya!
Heather Adores Books wrote: "I’m with Jayme!"
It was really well written! I'm not easily triggered this was a little too violent for me.
It was really well written! I'm not easily triggered this was a little too violent for me.
message 27:
by
Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile)
(last edited Jul 05, 2023 05:48AM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Bec (becbingesbooks) - lots of catching up to do wrote: "I am SO intrigued! Looking forward to this review 🩵"
This wasn’t an easy read, even more difficult to review!😊
This wasn’t an easy read, even more difficult to review!😊
Sarah wrote: "Thanks for your succinct review, Sujoya. It packs a punch!"
Thank you! It's not succinct any more.
Thank you! It's not succinct any more.
Southern Lady Reads wrote: "I've heard many similar thoughts - it seems like such an impactful read!"
It surely is, Southern Lady!
It surely is, Southern Lady!
Andrea wrote: "Very interesting - I'm both intrigued and nervous to pick this up. Looking forward to seeing your full review!"
It's not an easy read, but is impactful!
It's not an easy read, but is impactful!
Kristine wrote: "Sujoya~I think you said it pretty well❣️ This book does sound intriguing. You are definitely Reading A Lot, so understand feeling overbooked. Take it Easy, you will Get to the Books when you can. 💗"
Thank you, Kristine!🧡 Reading is my refuge. It's all I do..introverted bibliophile after all! But I do intend to go on reviewing hiatus for a while.
Thank you, Kristine!🧡 Reading is my refuge. It's all I do..introverted bibliophile after all! But I do intend to go on reviewing hiatus for a while.
Lorna wrote: "Sujoya, what a great review. I think you managed to tell us why you couldn’t put down a book you didn’t like!"
Thank you kindly, Lorna!😊
Thank you kindly, Lorna!😊
Christy wrote: "I love this review. I’ve definitely read books that weren’t really my thing but were still totally engaging. I actually like the sound of this one - even though I’m not a fan of gruesome violence!"
There is a lot to like about this one but it was a bit too much for me. Thank you, Christy!😊
There is a lot to like about this one but it was a bit too much for me. Thank you, Christy!😊
Lori wrote: "I definitely struggled with the violence/graphic detail in the novel, but appreciate the additional perspective you had! Thank you for a thoughtful and thorough review, Sujoya!"
Thank you, Lori! I struggled too and even tried to put it aside a few times.
Thank you, Lori! I struggled too and even tried to put it aside a few times.
Lisa wrote: "Not for me, and I am glad that you found a lot to appreciate here."
I don't think this one was for me either, but it is well written!😊
I don't think this one was for me either, but it is well written!😊
Libby wrote: "I've been seeing this one pop up more on reading lists, Sujoya, so I'm glad to get your take on it. It's not for me right now, but at the right time and mood, maybe. I liked you descriptive word, m..."
Thank you, Libby!😊 I agree that this book requires the reader to go in prepared.
Thank you, Libby!😊 I agree that this book requires the reader to go in prepared.
Jaidee wrote: "Fascinating Sujoya...I have this but if it gets too much I will simply stop reading..."
Thank you, Jaidee! I need to work on the art of DNFing!
Thank you, Jaidee! I need to work on the art of DNFing!
Darla wrote: "Powerful review, Sujoya. Sounds like a complicated read. Appreciate all the notes on content and format."
Thank you, Darla!😊
Thank you, Darla!😊
Barbara wrote: "I think I'll pass....too gritty for me! Thank you for your review Sujoya. This sounds like it was a stressful read!"
It was a stressful read for sure, but I can see why it's been getting glowing reviews!😊
It was a stressful read for sure, but I can see why it's been getting glowing reviews!😊
Srivalli wrote: "This is a hard read! Fab review, Sujoya."
Many thanks, Srivalli!😊 It was an exhausting read.
Many thanks, Srivalli!😊 It was an exhausting read.
A wrote: "This sounds like a memorable read - but that's a good point about the audio narration. Wonderful review, Sujoya!"
Many thanks, A! This story was difficult to follow on audio despite the brilliant narration.
Many thanks, A! This story was difficult to follow on audio despite the brilliant narration.
message 50:
by
Sujoya(theoverbookedbibliophile)
(last edited Jul 06, 2023 07:36AM)
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Nancy (trying to catch up after a very busy May) wrote: "Wow, what a wonderful review! You have definitely piqued my interest."
Thank you, Nancy! 😊 I hope you like this one if you decide to pick it up.
Thank you, Nancy! 😊 I hope you like this one if you decide to pick it up.