Publishers Weekly stated that the book's "clarity" is not inhibited by its "passionate tone", and that using non-overt ways to criticize political corruption and authoritarianism was an astute technique.[3]
Kirkus Reviews stated that the book is "a very painful, very personal- -therefore accessible--history."[4]
Cindy Kane of Common Sense Media recommended the book for persons ages twelve and older and ranked it four of five stars.[5]