I write this book in the midst of that crisis. My choice of timing imposes on this project many risks of error and misunderstanding. In the rush of immediate controversies, we can overemphasize things of no lasting consequence and overlook things that will prove supremely important. But if it’s potentially embarrassing to speak too soon, it can also be dangerous to wait too long.
I gave this book 3 stars primarily because I didn’t actually learn much beyond what I already knew. It’s quite well written, and makes its points with integrity - in fact, 40% of the book is essentially bibliography and index. Everything is essentially knowable now - but, that is why, at this current moment, I can’t anoint it as stellar; particularly when time is so limited for so many of us in this current moment.
However, Frum’s intent, shared above, will be realized - and as such, as a piece of historical context, a snapshot of analysis, and a well of memory, it will be much more valuable and ascend to a more eminent state of crystalline clarity of a chaotic moment.
I know that’s odd, to tie a book rating to a temporal context. But, revisiting this book in future decades will articulate our theories of the now without the clouding of hindsight - and thus, incredibly valuable for future reference- and, possibly even insight into the human condition.
