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Title:	Abominations
Authors:	Shriver, Lionel
Genre:	Non Fiction
Pages:	304
Year:	2022
Language:	English
Description:	Dinner party etiquette would suggest diners not discuss money, religion or politics. Iconoclastic author Lionel Shriver would suggest no such restriction, any time, any place. In these 35 essays, speeches and op-eds, the subject matter is many and varied from cancel culture, #MeToo and freedom of speech through to cultural appropriation in literature. Provocative, confrontational but imbued with clarity of argument, this book is a political correctness free-zone that is as fascinating as it is divisive.
Categories:	Non fiction, Biography, Contemporary, Essays/Columns, Political, Social commentary/perspectives, 2024 Titles

Reviews

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By: WELL 046		2025-07-03 12:01:55

Our members had very mixed reactions to this book - disagreed strongly with many of Shriver's views, but found some interesting and thought provoking. We had a lively discussion as a result!

By: PALMN 004		2025-05-27 09:49:21

Most people didn't read this one to the end, but the discussion was great.

By: WANAK 009		2025-05-26 09:46:01

This book generated a lot of discussion in our group. Interesting reading , although the essay format sometimes meant repetition. Incisive logic.

By: NAP 023		2025-04-07 11:54:57

Mixed reactions to these essays! Three of us loved it ( gave it a 5), the rest found the style and use of unusual words a bit trying. However good discussion was provoked.

By: WAIHEK 001		2025-03-24 14:32:39

This book created a lively discussion, with some people struggling to engage with some stories, while others really loved the overall book. Everyone agreed that it was so relevant to today's world.

By: ROTO 010		2024-08-13 20:47:29

As a chapter book there were some we liked and some we did not at all. The author's transparency was appreciated, yet some thought a bit tiresome. Her viewpoint was sometimes like a lecture. But that is what some of our group appreciated, opinion pieces the reader can find a tension to argue for or against.

By: AUCK 172		2024-07-15 12:21:20

A worthwhile read provoking good discussion. We found the font too small and faint.

By: NELS 002		2024-07-10 09:42:31

Excellent notes - book shows how persuasive a good writer can be - generated great discussion.

By: TAUR 059		2024-06-11 18:08:06

Everyone enjoyed the book but some skipped some sections. All loved her writing and style and the diversity of topics. One of the longest discussions on a book we have ever had due to the thought provoking content. Identity/cultural appropriation in fiction writing caught the whole group's attention but most sections generated a great discussion. None of the group found anything offensive but all agreed some of her viewpoints were challenging.

By: AUCK 037		2024-04-15 10:28:23

We appreciated the turn of phrase, the humour, the wit, and the intellectual heft Shriver puts into her work. We thought her view of cultural appropriateness was too extreme. However her views on friendship were insightful. Made us think - a very contrarian individual who has written some good books.