Out of the Ashes: Britain After the Riots

by David Lammy

The British Labor Party politician who represents Tottenham, the place where the riots of August 2011 began, examines the riots and the way forward "Out of the ashes, what kind of country do we want to build?"David Lammy MP predicted the riots of 2011 a year before they took place. Following the violence he spoke passionately for his constituents. Now he analyzes the causes of the disturbances and their implications for the future. He draws on his experience of growing up in Tottenham, the area he now represents and the place where the riots began. He explores the human stories behind the headlines. Above all, he seeks to explain why the breakdown of law and order was so swift and so widespread, and offers a way forward for Britain that is both practical and inspirational. All author proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to charitable causes.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics

272 pages, Paperback

First published November 17, 2011

Reviews

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Glad I picked this book up. Pleased to be reading about Tottenham = even though it was written over 10 years ago, and centres on the riots of 2011. I lived in South Tottenham from 1987 to 2000 and a lot of what he says resonates with me.

[Hay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thought provoking - like Lammy's ideas because they are always well reasoned, although I might not always agree

[Niall O'Conghaile · Rating 2 out of 5]

Lammy is a Labour politician so obviously he has his biases. and this book pretty quickly goes from an engaging commentary on the 2011 riots (and their lead up) to an anti-Tory polemic. Not that that's not justified, but I recently went to a talk by Carole Duggan, aunt of Mark Duggan whose death sparked the riots, and she was outright dismissive of Lammy's handling of the situation and his career as MP for Tottenham. This book is enlightening in places, but the "riots" aspect definitely feels tacked on. (2.5)

[Steven Pilling · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lammy is someone I find i can agree with then disagree with in the space of one paragraph.

He is honest and intelligent , the issue around housing and income are well argued and thought provoking. This book is worth reading.

[Peter Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting - particularly from my perspective of a Tottenham resident and a consituent of David Lammy

[Jonathan]

Nearly excellent but merely okay. Lots of dots but not enough of them joined.