Review of When They Came For Me

[Lucy Vera]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "When They Came For Me" by John R. Schlapobersky.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Is being born black a crime? Does it automatically make one an outcast? Does being black justify being looked down on and treated inhumanely by fellow humans? Could the difference in skin color be the reason for racial prejudice? It must have been a tough time being born into the struggle for freedom in a society where apartheid, racial discrimination, and injustice seemed to be the order of the day.

John R. Schlapobersky wrote a memoir When They Came For Me. It was a true life narration of the experiences he had when he was detained for fifty-five days. Having read this book, I would say he was arrested and made to suffer for no just and probable cause, although his captors thought otherwise. The proof of the supremacy of the whites and their ability to do as they please when it comes to the affairs of the "Natives" or "Blacks" was the sole aim of everything they did to him.

John R. Schlapobersky narrates his daily ordeals and the difficult time he had to go through during the investigation when he was confined in a solitary prison. The police officers who were the interrogators took pride and joy in recounting distinguished black men and women whom they arrested, subdued, or silenced in the past. The torture John underwent resulted in traumatic experiences. Would you like to find out if John was able to survive? Then dive into this fascinating yet touching memoir of the diary of an apartheid prisoner.

I found so many positive aspects from this book. This memoir is so detailed and elaborate. Also, it included the daily routines and life of a prisoner. Even while in prison, John found a source of hope and comfort, the Bible. This book serves as a reminder to generations yet unborn of what people passed through in the quest for the freedom we enjoy now.

This book serves as a source of hope for those in similar situations who are undergoing the same cruelty. This book proves that the struggle against racial discrimination and injustice was not in vain. This book also exposes the brutal acts and tactics used by the police officers during and interrogations, which led to the victimization of detained blacks. I found no error in this book; it was exceptionally well edited.

I found just one negative aspect of this book. Some people may deem some of the narratives explicit. This book may disturb certain people who are sensitive to the issue of racism or racial discrimination. I understand that the author wanted to say things the exact way they happened. However, this may trigger some individuals.

I recommend this book to everyone out there trying to find a voice. I encourage them to speak up. People who have experienced gruesome cruelty firsthand know that even in hopeless and seemingly helpless situations, hope remains alive. This book is recommended to people trying to heal from similar experiences, especially those who have been racially profiled and abused.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars because it offers hope to people of color. This book teaches how speaking up helps to heal the mind. Also, I was impressed how the author, through his diction, spun a web that I found myself caught in. I had a fantastic time reading his tales of pain, sorrow, sadness, anger, and at last, hope.

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When They Came For Me
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[Aisha Yakub]

It's sad that people's colour, which they didn't even choose, would be a discriminatory factor. Should have really been hard for the author.

[Asiaa Szn]

Discrimination and racism are such painful bile that needs to be eradicated in the system. I can't imagine his pain in solitary. Nice review

[marta baglioni]

This is an excellent review of what I suspect to be an excellent book. Thank you!

[Giftiee]

Considering the issues addressed in this book, I hope to read it. Thank you for the review!

[Vidhi Adhikari]

I would love to read this book to know about the struggles of the author. Thanks for such an elaborate review.

[Korie Ifeoma Chisomaga]

Own your story. Speak up...society is never perfect but efforts at causing a change have to begin with the victims.

[José Cortez]

This is quite a very uncomfortable topic to talk on. However, the issue of racism is still very alive in our society.

[Emmanuella C Arumeze]

Its important that we encourage people to find their voice in a society that tries to suppress it. Great review.

[Walter R]

John seems to have perfectly written down is thoughts. This looks like my kind of book. Great review!

[Kennedy NC]

Black lives matter, not any more and definitely not any less. I'm impressed to see Authors write more about this.

[Ekezie1998]

Only people less informed will still believe that the difference in skin color should be the basis to judge a person.