Title: On Freedom and Revolt: A Comparative Investigation
Author: Carl E. Moyer
Publisher: Readers Magnet LLC
ISBN: 978-1-949981-09-4
Genre: Non-Fiction, History
Pages: 108
Reviewed by: Arthur Thares
Hollywood Book Reviews
Comparing two historical figures is nothing new in the literary world, but usually the two have something substantial in common. The author of On Freedom and Revolt: A Comparative Investigation, Carl Moyer, has chosen two uniquely different characters in history to examine their views on freedom, especially regarding oppressed peoples. He takes a unique approach to his comparison, which is somehow magnetic, bringing light to the subject matter.
On Freedom and Revolt compares the lives and works of African American racial justice leader Martin Luther King Jr. and Algerian-French writer Albert Camus. In an incredibly detailed work spanning multiple chapters, Moyer compares the mindset and background of both men and their strategies to reach their goals. The book doesn’t just stop at their writing or activism; it also goes an extra step most comparisons won’t go, and contrasts the consequences both men faced for their activism. Moyer truly leaves no stone unturned when examining the lives of both men and even comparing their ultimate fates.
This book is a Doctoral project, and it has that feel, but it is not incredibly challenging to read. Moyer does a great job of presenting the information in a format easy to digest but not elementary in any way. The amount of time which went into researching this project shows as Moyer references many of Camus’ works throughout the book from an authoritative perspective. Because it is a Doctoral project, it is extensively cited with a perfect bibliography to find the source material – and once you read a little about these two men, you will want the source material to keep learning.
There is no getting around the fact this is an academic book. There is nothing flashy about this book, but it is also not at all dull. People who love history and significant historical figures will enjoy comparing two men in history who had nothing in common on the surface, but both felt the need to fight for the oppressed of this world.
Overall, On Freedom and Revolt: A Comparative Investigation is eye-opening because it highlights the struggles of the Algerian people while reminding us about the injustices that were commonplace in America – not so long ago.