Official Review: Unhappy Warrior: by Linda Rennie Forcey

[Nonso Samuelson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Unhappy Warrior:" by Linda Rennie Forcey.]

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3 out of 4 stars

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When Robert Starobin committed suicide at the age of 31, on February 15th, 1971, it came as a shock to his family and everyone who knew him. Robert was so full of life and always at the forefront of every movement in which he believed. So what changed? What could make such a vibrant man decide to take his life? What would make someone described as creative, capable, inquisitive, and charming snuff himself out? From growing up with a politically committed father to his time as a graduate student and then a teacher, this book is an exposé on Starobin's life and a forensic analysis of the reason behind his suicide.

Unhappy Warrior made for an interesting read. It was written by Linda Rennie Forcey, Peter Adam Nash, and Rachael Starobin Davis. This book helped me delve into the life and death of Robert Starobin. For some reason, it wasn't hard for me to identify with a young man who seemed lost in the world around him. The only way Robert felt he could find meaning in life was through political commitment and activism. So it was no surprise to me when I read that he started to unravel after the wave of the Black Panther movement passed, and there was nothing significant happening anymore.

I liked how the writers presented the facts as narrated to them. They went to great lengths to ensure that each individual's thoughts and opinions were presented objectively and without bias. These opinions boosted my insight into the workings of Robert's mind. I especially liked that Robert stayed true to himself and his beliefs despite everything. I was especially pained, though, that his relationship with the women in his life deteriorated so badly. He divorced his wife, Elsa, Kitsi could never bring herself to commit to him, and Johanna was upstairs drying her hair when Robert shot himself.

On a not-so-good note, I didn't like how the authors presented philosophical, sociological, political, and psychological ideologies and discussions. It felt like they wrongly assumed their topic of discussion was within the cognitive domain of everyone. I had to take my time to assimilate and understand these ideologies, and this slowed down my reading and comprehension.

My biggest dislike is that this book was not professionally edited; I found too many avoidable errors. The numerous technical terms in the book also deterred my overall enjoyment of the book. Consequently, I rate this book 3 out of 4 stars. I would recommend it to students of politics and history. It is a true story and may also appeal to lovers of biographies and memoirs.

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Unhappy Warrior:
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[RHD]

This one seems like a unique read - and a sad one at that. We need to keep changing and adapting as circumstances also change. Too bad the book had many errors. Good job on the review!

[Deval Sodha]

This book takes up a unique topic of suicide which is very essential to be addressed.
This exposes the thoughts and would be reasons of suicide.
Great review

[onyii_review]

A book on a sad note and suicide. Sorry, I would pass. Thanks for the review though.

[GNerd]

Three authors in one book? Great. I loved your review.