Kevin Eady's 'Uncontrollable' looks at the history of the anarchist movement in the twentieth century from the point of view of a single man, Buenaventura Garcia. Through his own sincere commitment and through chains of circumstance, Garcia is a participant in a great many of the historic events in which anarchists were involved.
Garcia is a thoroughly well-drawn character, and tells his own story with humour and clarity. He is, at heart, a deeply humane man, but honest enough to admit when he does not quite live up to his ideals. War and oppression force him, at times, to acts of violence, but he does not relish these, and throughout his long life he maintains a core vision of loving co-operation and mutual respect that is at the heart of anarchist philosophy. If at times he is a tad repetitive in his condemnations of injustice, this is very much in his character, and indicative of just how much he has to cope with.
The writing is well-paced, maintaining interest throughout. Although it deals with often grim and harrowing events, there is a 'reader-friendly' lightness of touch to the style. Whilst, now and then, the writer does - as a previous review has indicated - use an inappropriately British turn of phrase, it is also evident that he has immersed himself in Spanish life and culture, and there is a wealth of convincing detail.
I would recommend this book for its eye-opening account of events that have not been adequately covered by history books; for its portrayal of an authentic, likeable central character and many memorable subsidiary characters; and for its economic and well-paced writing style. 'Uncontrollable' is a real page-turner. Pay up and download - you won't regret it.
(reviewed 43 days after purchase)