First published 2020

476 pages

Nonfiction, Politics, Sociology

"The hierarchy of caste is not about feelings or morality. It is about power-- which groups have and which do not"

In this novel, Wilkerson presents a masterfully researched narrative of the caste system throughout history into the modern day. She links the caste systems of America, India, and Nazi Germany, educating and bringing awareness to said systems. When people think of all the systems at work in America, we don't commonly think of a caste system. We often associate that with India, where it functions under different terms and societal norms. But there is a deeply engrained caste system in America that has existed from the very start of this nation. It is baked into our social norms, our government, our education. She shows how caste shows up in the day-to-day treatment of people considered from the lower rungs of society. It is insidious and worms its way into our behavior, whether we are aware of it or not.

This is a challenging book, in the same way that any book about systematic oppression is challenging. It is beautifully written and does not drown the reader in information all at once. The pacing is perfect for reflection, information absorption, and appreciation for the real-world examples of the systems she is highlighting.

This book should be required reading for sociology, critical race theory, and human condition classes everywhere. I cannot recommend it enough.