In this book, Owen Jones explores how the working class in Britain has been subjected to stereotypes and demonization, particularly through the pejorative term 'chav'. He argues that this stereotype is used by governments and the media to avoid addressing genuine social and economic problems and to justify widening inequality. The book delves into the political, social, and economic context that has led to the alienation of working-class communities, including the impact of neoliberal policies and the decline of trade unions. Jones also critiques the media and political establishment for perpetuating these stereotypes and offers a nuanced portrait of the complexities of working-class life in modern Britain.
In 'Going Infinite', Michael Lewis delves into the life of Sam Bankman-Fried, the enigmatic founder of the failed cryptocurrency exchange FTX. The book provides a psychological portrait and a financial roller-coaster ride, tracing Bankman-Fried's trajectory from becoming the world's youngest billionaire to his eventual downfall. It covers topics such as high-frequency trading, cryptocurrencies, effective altruism, and the justice system. Despite criticism for its sympathetic portrayal of Bankman-Fried, the book offers a fascinating insight into the complex world of cryptocurrencies and the character of its central figure.
Good-Bye to All That is a candid and critical memoir that explores Robert Graves' early life, his experiences as a soldier in World War I, and his post-war struggles. The book provides a raw portrayal of trench warfare and the psychological impact of the war on soldiers. It also delves into Graves' growing disillusionment with English society and his eventual departure from England.
Partition Voices: Untold British Stories by Kavita Puri is a non-fiction book that captures the experiences of South Asians who lived through the partition of India in 1947 and later settled in Britain. The book includes interviews with individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering a nuanced perspective on the trauma and legacy of partition. It explores how these events continue to shape the identities and family dynamics of those affected, providing a powerful insight into a pivotal moment in history.
In 'Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women', Victoria Smith delves into the societal disdain for middle-aged women, tracing it back to historical anxieties similar to those that fueled Early Modern witch hunts. The book explores various themes such as care work, beauty, violence, and sex, arguing that the demonization of older women is a manifestation of patriarchal control. Smith concludes by advocating for solutions that benefit all women, reclaiming 'hag' as a badge of pride.
Comfort and Joy by Ravinder Bhogal reclaims vegan and vegetarian cooking as a source of indulgence and pleasure, offering a wide range of creative and approachable recipes that blend global flavors. The book includes dishes like okra fries with curry leaf mayonnaise and mango gold coin curry, showcasing the richness and variety of plant-based cuisine.
For the third and final instalment of Intelligence Squared's Holiday Reads selection looking back at some of the best books of the year, Conor Boyle and Feyi Adegbite revisit conversations with authors including Michael Lewis, whose book, Going Infinite: The Rise and Fall of a New Tycoon, tells the story of crypto entrepreneur Sam Bankman Fried. We also listen back to a discussion between The Sunday Times' Hadley Freeman and writer Victoria Smith, whose book, Hags: The Demonisation of Middle-Aged Women, confronts misogyny and ageism. Plus, Ravinder Bhogal, the restaurateur and writer behind Jikoni, a restaurant blending Asian, African and Middle Eastern food, discusses her book about Comfort and Joy.
You can also find all of their books and a few more in Intelligence Squared’s Twelve Books of Christmas list.
https://www.intelligencesquared.com/the-blog/?p=the-twelve-books-of-christmas
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