Member Reviews

Plundered is one of those books that isn’t just informative—it’s necessary. Bernadette Atuahene exposes a brutal and often-overlooked reality: the systemic theft of Black wealth through racist property laws and government policies. She takes a deep dive into how Black homeowners, particularly in Detroit, have been dispossessed of their land through illegal property tax assessments, making it clear that this isn’t just history—it’s happening now.

What makes this book so powerful is how Atuahene blends sharp legal analysis with real, human stories. This isn’t just about policy failures; it’s about people who have been robbed of generational wealth, stability, and dignity. She lays out the evidence in a way that’s both deeply researched and accessible, making it impossible to ignore.

This is a necessary read, especially for anyone who cares about racial justice, housing equity, or the ways systemic racism continues to shape economic disparities. Plundered doesn’t just tell the story—it demands that we do something about it.

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This such a good and informative book on the racism that affects people of color in housing decisions. The book had a lot of info which kept it kind of boring at parts, but that did not take away from how much this book had called out

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!

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