51 pages • 1 hour read
Rebecca SolnitA Paradise Built in Hell: The Extraordinary Communities That Arise in Disaster
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2009A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit examines people's behavior during and after disasters, exploring five major catastrophes and others to argue that disaster situations often reveal human cooperation and solidarity. Solnit contrasts this with the distrustful and militarized responses of elites, government, and military authorities, which can hinder community efforts and cause harm. Sensitive topics include descriptions of disasters and their aftermath.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Rebecca Solnit's A Paradise Built in Hell receives praise for its insightful exploration of human resilience and community spirit during disasters. Critics commend her engaging narrative and thorough research. However, some argue that her analysis can be overly idealistic and occasionally unfocused. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking and inspiring read.
Who Should Read A Paradise Built in Hell?
Readers with a keen interest in sociology, disaster studies, and the resilience of human communities will find A Paradise Built in Hell by Rebecca Solnit compelling. Comparable to Eric Klinenberg’s Heat Wave and Naomi Klein’s The Shock Doctrine, this book will also appeal to those intrigued by the unexpected solidarity that emerges in crises.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsBook Details
Sociology
Values/Ideas: Trust & Doubt