Photo: Cover art of 'Sorry For The Inconvenience But This Is An Emergency: The nonviolent struggle for our planet’s future'
Sorry For The Inconvenience But This Is An Emergency: The nonviolent struggle for our planet’s future
By Lynne Jones
Some books demand to be read quickly, while others invite careful contemplation. This one presents readers with a dilemma: its message is so urgent that one feels compelled to devour it, and yet it is so rich, replete with personal insights and detailed information, that it deserves to be savoured.
Described as ‘an insider’s candid account of our new era of mass protest,’ it draws on Jones’s impeccable professional credentials and her decades-long participation in nonviolent protest. Her narrative takes us from the birth of the women’s camp at Greenham Common to contemporary climate activism, illustrating how the nature of existential threats may evolve, but the power of nonviolent resistance endures.
Throughout its 400-plus pages, Jones offers a nuanced exploration of nonviolent protest. She doesn’t shy away from controversial topics, presenting arguments that readers may not always agree with, but she does so with care. It is this honest, clear-sighted approach that makes her narrative so compelling and her voice so authoritative.
‘A nuanced exploration of nonviolent protest.’
One particularly striking aspect is Jones’s emphasis on personal action. She argues that seemingly-small acts, such as moving one’s bank account to an ethical alternative, can have significant impact. This empowering message runs throughout the text.
Drawing on experiences from the 1980s opposing nuclear weapons to Extinction Rebellion, Jones reflects on both public history and her personal journey. She grapples with crucial questions: Can we learn from past movements? How do we communicate with those who disagree? What forms of disruption are most effective? Is property damage nonviolent? How can we learn from indigenous campaigners of the global south?
While this is not a how-to guide for activism, it serves as a powerful, personal testament to the potential of nonviolent struggle. Jones’s background as a child psychiatrist shines through in her ability to balance fiery conviction with soothing compassion, leaving readers not just with anger at injustice, but with hope for the future.
One of the book’s strengths is its vivid, firsthand accounts of landmark civil disobedience actions. Reading Jones’s accounts, one is filled with the freshness of her writing style, as if coming to these events for the first time. There is an excitement in the book, but this is tempered by Jones’s observations on political movements, which provide a solid foundation for understanding the resistance needed.
Safe to say, this is more than just a book about protest. It is a call to action, a source of inspiration, and a reminder of our shared humanity. As we face unprecedented global challenges, Jones’s work serves as both a warning and a beacon of hope, urging us all to recognise our power to shape a better future for our planet.
