i am going to recommend this to every person i know. probably the best book i have ever read. heartbreaking, fanon was a genius

A collection of essays written with a very specific audience at a certain time and with a very pointed objective in mind - Fanon's book is a call to the people of the Africa nations undergoing decolonization in the decades following WW2. Fanon writes to warn his fellows of the 'pitfalls of nationalism' while urging them not to eschew the gains of modernity. Fanon trusts the process that the people will need to go through as they come to know themselves as 'men' in the humanistic sense rather than as colonial subjects or, more clearly, slaves. Fanon trusts this process but only if the people are able to contain the development of a 'national ' bourgeoisie that will take over from the settler bourgeoisie and if they avoid using Europe as a model. They must also understand that there is no natural or indigenous world to which to return. Fanon was certainly an incredible personage - serving as a doctor, participating in politics, writing his books - all before his too early death from cancer at 36 years old.

Super interesting read. Each section examines the realities of decolonization from a different angle:

1) Why is violent insurrection a necessary evil during decolonization?
2) How can/do revolutionary movements go astray, especially as it relates to the relationship between the urban white collar, political leaders, and working-class citizens?
3&4) What constitutes national unity? How is a national identity created, particularly following decades, or centuries, of subjugation?
5) What are the psychological effects of colonialism and decolonization?

Overall - this book stands out because of Fanon’s background as a psychiatrist. It helps to add an additional dimension to this book and make it more than just a socio-political textbook.

Dense read at times, but I also mostly read this before bed so brain machine was operating at an optimistic 30%.