Book Review: When the Dust Settles - Stories of Love, Loss and Hope from an Expert in Disaster by Lucy Easthope ★★★★★

This is a difficult but essential book. I was initially put off by how graphically autobiographical it is. The disaster planning I came for was frequently interrupted with the author's loves, disasters, health issues, pains, and domestic issues. As the book wore on, I realised how vital that is. Disasters - whether natural or caused by human actions - cannot be tackled in a dispassionate way. It's all very well having a plan to repatriate bodies, strict timetables for witness statements, and a clinical approach to disposing of victims' personal effects - but there needs to be space for a humane response; not just a humanitarian response. People need space to grieve, they need a shower and cup of tea, they need to be allowed to fucking scream. My chauvinistic biases were stopped in their tracks by the unrelenting assault of pure and righteous indignation. Women in disaster planning and response are constantly accused of overreaction, of too much thinking and emotion. We ignore our…

Commenting on Bubbles has been removed. Why? If you want to talk about this post, write to the author, use the comments on their blog if it has them, or reply with a "RE:" post on your own blog. Suggestions? feedback@bubbles.town