A sprawling and detailed look at American history of the past two decades and how we arrived at where we are today--great for those who enjoy social history books but a bit dry for those more new to the topic.

This is a fascinating read by Evan Osnos, journalist at the New Yorker, who went to work in the Middle East and China, after 9/11, before returning to Washington in 2013, newly married and ready to rediscover his country. He had spent time while away from the US defending his homeland, but, on return, was confronted by changes. This then is the story of a country, and a time, bounded by 9/11 and attack on the US Capitol on January 6th, 2021.

Osnos uses his own family history to good effect, exploring three different locations important to him and contrasting the lives of the descendants of a man who committed a violent crime on his great-grandfather, with those charged with such assaults today. This enables the author to bring a personal feel to the current injustices in the criminal justice system and to explore themes such as race, inequality and the polarisation of wealth and ideology.

Of course, it is impossible to tell the stories of those years without telling the story of Trump. While working away from the States, Osnos had felt that his country stood for the rule of law, the force of truth and the right to pursue a better life. On his return, it seemed these certainties were under threat. From the popularity of Fox News to the lack of trust in the government, the influence of wealth in politics, a press under attack and – of course, Trump’s ability to appeal to those who felt resentful, neglected, and misused. A base of supporters who were ready to listen and a message which matched the mood; ugly, violent, distrustful…. A mob ready to follow the words of a man who threw out mindless soundbites and encouraged to act without thinking about the implications of what they were doing.

This doesn’t have much in the way of answers, but it may help you understand how, and why, America is currently so polarised and divided. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.