You Don't Have to Live Like This, Benjamin Markovits

*Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in return for an honest review*

You Don't Have to Live Like This, Benjamin Markovits
Author: Benjamin Markovits
Publisher: Harper
Pages: 400
Format: ARC
ISBN-10: 0062376608
ISBN-13: 9780062376602
Publisher: eBook | Hardcover
You Don't Have to Live Like This




Greg Marnier studied history at Yale and Oxford only to find out he will not be able to properly teach in the US without being published and wont get tenure in the UK as he is specialized in American history. On a reunion an old schoolmate and he discuss a plan about recovering the areas in a big city like Detroit that is falling apart. When Robert James decides to push trough with this plan Greg is one of the first moving in. While tension between the local people and the new 'immigrants' grow Greg tries to get a grip on his life.

This book is interesting. A lot of political and social situations that can cause discussions. Greg tries not to be involved to much in these situations but is still in the middle. Trying to make his own opinion he does not realize the people in his surrounding see him as a player of the other side. I am not really sure I enjoyed his point of view. I would have liked to know more about either Nolan or Robert's point of view. Greg was a bit boring. Trying to please everyone.
This influenced the developments in the book. Though the whole story is interesting and there is a lot happening it fails to really touch. People are feeling discriminated and are angry that developers are taking over their houses and areas but the real anger though visible never touched me as a reader. Even in the end when Greg is getting into huge trouble it still fails to get emotional.
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