Not Politics as Usual

There is Nothing For You Here by Fiona Hill
3.5 stars

Fiona Hill grew up in the North East of England in an area devastated by coal mine closures and the change in industry.  Although she grew up in poverty, she was able to go to good colleges through hard work, perseverance, and good mentors.  She uses her experiences growing up, along with time spent in Russia and the US to compare the rise of Populist politics in all three countries.  I was interested in reading about her experiences overcoming adversity in her hometown and as a woman in a field dominated by men of a certain class and enjoyed those parts the best.  The last part of the book focuses on her work in the National Security Council under Trump and her eventual testimony in his impeachment trials. Personally, I would be happy if I never had to read another word about former President Trump so this part hit a lower note for me.  This is an fascinating look, though, at the political similarities between three seemingly different countries from someone who knows what she is talking about.  I received a digital ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.