ALA Booklist (Sun Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2015)

The use of torture has been a concern in current history, albeit one that usually focuses on Americans as victims. But recently the debate on torture sometimes aims at Americans as practitioners. This slender volume is packed with information about torture, presented in clear, cogent, and well-organized chapters. Marcovitz describes the history of torture from ancient times to the present, the regimes that use it, and the impact it has on its victims. He does not shirk from discussing American culpability in its use and presents the diverging opinions on the efficacy and morality of "enhanced interrogation" techniques. Marcovitz's language is accessible, and the layout is attractive with plenty of photographs and sidebars to support and enhance the material. Furthermore, Marcovitz avoids sensationalizing the topic, treating both it and his readers seriously; methods and particulars are described with restraint. A good index, an extensive glossary, source notes, a bibliography, a time line, and print, web, and film sources for further information round out the text. This is a good pick for schools or those interested in current events.

Horn Book (Sat Aug 01 00:00:00 CDT 2015)

While covering some historical examples of torture, the majority of this dense, small-trim book focuses on twentieth- and twenty-first-century examples and current thoughts on the subject; Marcovitz provokes questions on the usefulness and morality of the practice. Photographs and individuals' stories serve as stark reminders of the human element in an uncomfortable subject. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

School Library Journal (Thu Jan 01 00:00:00 CST 2015)

Gr 9 Up-Covering everything from spike chairs to waterboarding, Marcovitz presents a thematic overview of various methods of torture, the international response to it, and its impact on victims and society. Throughout, Marcovitz intersperses concise profiles of perpetrators and victims from nearly every continent and time-period, enabling readers to connect with the subject. The highly publicized examples of torture, such as Abu Ghraib, are contextualized for readers. The inclusion of fraternity and sorority hazing, while brief, is timely and thought-provoking. Drawings and photographs extend the narrative, and many are not as graphic as the frank descriptions in the text. Though the writing is repetitive and disjointed in spots, Marcovitz succeeds in bringing focus to the larger issue of torture and the plight of individual victims around the world. Students doing research will find depth in this book and its extensive back matter. Hilary Writt, Sullivan University, Lexington, KY