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Poverty Safari: Understanding the Anger of Britain's Underclass

by Darren McGarvey

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2056133,427 (3.9)3
People from deprived communities all around Britain feel misunderstood and unheard. Darren McGarvey aka Loki gives voice to their feelings and concerns, and the anger that is spilling over. Anger he says we will have to get used to, unless things change. He invites you to come on a safari of sorts. A Poverty Safari. But not the sort where the indigenous population is surveyed from a safe distance for a time, before the window on the community closes and everyone gradually forgets about it. I know the hustle and bustle of high-rise life, the dark and dirty stairwells, the temperamental elevators that smell like urine and wet dog fur, the grumpy concierge, the apprehension you feel as you enter or leave the building, especially at night. I know that sense of being cut off from the world, despite having such a wonderful view of it through a window in the sky; that feeling of isolation, despite being surrounded by hundreds of other people above, below and either side of you. But most of all, I understand the sense that you are invisible, despite the fact that your community can be seen for miles around and is one of the most prominent features of the city skyline.… (more)
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Showing 5 of 5
Thought-provoking, interesting and astute. McGarvey writes well, perhaps worth too many words, and tells us two stories at once. I finished the book feeling that I'd like to have known more about his childhood then he revealed. ( )
  tarsel | Sep 4, 2022 |
Not constructive.

Jokes aside, it was educational to see the world I normally try my best to avoid from the safety of a book. ( )
  Paul_S | Dec 23, 2020 |
Think of this book as a series of short essays rather than a narrative and you'll get much more out of it. Is a discussion of poverty from the inside and how well meant interventions can disrupt the very communities they are meant to help, but it's also about the multiple approaches needed to help, but from an infrastructure view and the personal, what can you do to change your life? ( )
  craignicol | Dec 13, 2020 |
My impressions are of this being written by someone who is being honest about their deprived upbringing, but does not illuminate this with the concrete examples of Westover’s Educared, but resorts to less forceful generalities, not letting the specific speak for itself.
There are also political ramblings, and although well intentioned, I’m afraid I found these a bit of a chore and not succinct (and I know that is a word which would rile McGarvey).
Although the sentiment of the book and its arguments are relevant and worthwhile, it’s a bit of a tract, too preachy.

To avoid the intrusive political rants, but illuminating similar issues, as well as Educated , I would recommend The Salt Path and The Outrun. ( )
  CarltonC | Apr 24, 2020 |
Really interesting memoir? /autobiography? of someone who has grown up in a poor Glasgow community and had a lot of problems with addiction etc. His thoughts on apathy in poor communities and expecting someone else to "save" you in particular are worth reading. As are his explanations for this apathy. ( )
  infjsarah | Nov 17, 2019 |
Showing 5 of 5
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People from deprived communities all around Britain feel misunderstood and unheard. Darren McGarvey aka Loki gives voice to their feelings and concerns, and the anger that is spilling over. Anger he says we will have to get used to, unless things change. He invites you to come on a safari of sorts. A Poverty Safari. But not the sort where the indigenous population is surveyed from a safe distance for a time, before the window on the community closes and everyone gradually forgets about it. I know the hustle and bustle of high-rise life, the dark and dirty stairwells, the temperamental elevators that smell like urine and wet dog fur, the grumpy concierge, the apprehension you feel as you enter or leave the building, especially at night. I know that sense of being cut off from the world, despite having such a wonderful view of it through a window in the sky; that feeling of isolation, despite being surrounded by hundreds of other people above, below and either side of you. But most of all, I understand the sense that you are invisible, despite the fact that your community can be seen for miles around and is one of the most prominent features of the city skyline.

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