This book was very informative and I think it’s a great starting point for people interested in abolition as a social theory. 

It was frustrating for me, someone familiar with the theory of abolition and familiar with the racist, capitalist, and colonial history of these systems, because I approached this book expecting answers regarding how this is all achieved and what we do in the meantime. I don’t believe this book set out to answer my questions in a way I was hoping. 

I still think this book is important for people curious about abolition and the history of these systems that oppress and abuse. I was just disappointed because I was hoping to get more clarity on how we get rid of these current systems and implement these new ones. I also think the author is writing about abolition on a more macro scale, and I was looking at it on a more micro scale. I took the most from the conclusory chapter, when the author set up a picture of what this abolitionist society would look like.

I also really appreciated how Purnell tied everything in, regarding climate injustice, capitalism, colonialism globally and occupation in South Africa and Palestine, etc. I do believe all of our struggles are connected so I appreciated this and I think this was the foremost theme throughout the book.

And one last note, very specific to me, as an attorney, the narrative voice used at times in the book felt very familiar to me in a way that was slightly off-putting. It felt like there was a bit too much handholding for my preference, but I can see how it would be necessary for other readers. 

Overall, I will be recommending this book to people interested in being introduced to abolition as a theory. Thank you to astra publishing house for the gifted copy!