Fixing France: How to Repair a Broken Republic

A French-Algerian journalist’s stark critique of her crisis-ridden country—how does France work, how did it get here, and how can it change? ''[A] highly readable … blazing indictment of modern France … Ramdani’s criticism is heartfelt and justified.'' ''Ramdani tackles head-on some taboo subjects, such as race. . . It is the feeling that there is a parallel society in constant collision with the rest of the country that drives the talk of "civil war".''

‘A vigorous jeremiad that makes many sound arguments about the often sclerotic nature of French society and the marginalisation many people of immigrant descent, like her, experience... A persuasive case.’

‘Ramdani writes with urgency and verve. … Fixing France is a sharp polemic—necessary, revelatory, mostly fair, always driving to the point.’

‘Excellent, well-researched, and cogently argued… . Nabila Ramdani cuts through the self-congratulatory myths of French politics to deliver a damning picture of France under Macron.’

‘The author’s insights into France’s failings are penetrating… [She offers] sharp observations about how France’s enduring commitment to republican values provides a licence for many to pursue a divisive and neocolonial agenda behind the rhetoric of constitutional equality.’ ''''Fixing France'' reads a lot like ''The People’s History of the United States'', the national bestseller by historian Howard Zinn that presented the history of the United States from the perspective of the working classes and sidelined sectors of society.'' ‘Fixing France is … certain to ruffle Gallic feathers, and likely many of those enamored with everything French.’ ‘A valuable overview of the problems facing France… . [The book] constitutes a strong addition to scholarship on the fault lines dividing contemporary France.’ ''Nabila Ramdani was born to write this book. She dissects this wonderful, vexing country that was the home of the Enlightenment--but which still needs a lot of enlightening.'' ''This deep dive into France''s frenetic politics provides us with an essential perspective.'' ''A timely and fresh perspective on a country that seems to have it all. Yet its citizens are angry and dissatisfied. Why? Ramdani provides some smart answers in this thought-provoking book.'' ''Evocative and beautifully written, this is a thorough and thought-provoking analysis of modern France, and where it''s going wrong.'' ''Forensically pierces through the mythologies of the Fifth Republic, combining socio-economic analysis, history, and Ramdani''s own encounters with some of the most powerful and polarising political figures in the country. A must-read for Francophiles and agitators alike.'' ''Ramdani portrays a France that she knows intimately, highlighting her country''s contradictions with wit. Her book is extremely well-documented, and uncompromising yet hopeful. It provides France with an opportunity for some serious soul-searching.'' ''Ramdani''s brave book bursts with questions about the country she loves. Few have made a stronger argument for tearing down the Fifth Republic and building a new France.'' ''For anyone with a love of France, Ramdani''s book will interest and provoke with its analysis of France''s problems and the challenges it faces to remedy them. The criticisms are sharp but delivered with insight and affection for her country.'' ''A timely and nuanced reflection upon the problems facing France--racism, polarisation, colonial amnesia, an elitist education system--and the solutions needed to fix them. Required reading for anyone wishing to grapple with the challenges facing the twenty-first century world.'' ''France is the European country we think we know best, but "Fixing France" shines a light on the dark corners of one of Europe''s most complex, influential and fascinating nations. Thorough research, unique insight, and accessible, engaging writing.'' ''France is ailing, struggling to reconcile age-old Republican ideals with the realities of twenty-first century society, and the resulting polarisation is toxic. Ramdani draws on personal experience, family history, and insightful analysis and commentary to suggest a diagnosis and provide meaningful remedies.'' ''France is a society with many contradictions, especially in relation to colonialism, racism and identity. This absorbing and highly readable book skillfully captures and unravels the delusions under which many French still operate and, most importantly, offers avenues forward.'' ''An invaluable constructive critique of France in the last 70 years. This is an engaging and enlightening read.'' France—the romanticised, revolutionary land of Liberty, Equality and Fraternity for all—is failing. Reform is urgently needed. This book is a powerful indictment of the status quo, and a highly original perspective on the challenges to which the nation must rise.Nabila Ramdani is not from the establishment elite: she is a marginalised insider, born and raised in a neglected Paris suburb. With unflinching clarity, she probes the fault lines of her struggling country, exposing the Fifth Republic as an archaic system which emerged from Algeria’s cataclysmic War of Independence.Today, a monarchical President Macron shows little interest in democracy, while a far-right party founded by Nazi collaborators threatens to replace him. Segregation, institutionalised rioting, economic injustice, the debasement of women, a monolithic education system, deep-seated racial and religious discrimination, paramilitary policing, terrorism and extremism, and a duplicitous foreign policy all fuel the growing crisis.Yet Ramdani offers real hope: the broken French Republic can, and must, be fixed.

• | Author: Nabila Ramdani
• | Publisher: C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
• | Publication Date: Oct 05, 2023
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781805260998
• | ISBN-10: 1805260995