Some People Need Killing

by Patricia Evangelista
Some People Need Killing cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Investigative Journalism
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  • ID: 2972
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780593133156
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2023-10-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Patricia Evangelista's Some People Need Killing is a harrowing and meticulously documented exploration of the Philippines' war on drugs under President Rodrigo Duterte. For six years, Evangelista immersed herself in the lives of both killers and survivors, capturing the chilling atmosphere of terror that permeated the country as thousands were slaughtered in the name of justice. This book is not just a chronicle of violence but a profound examination of the human capacity for both domination and resistance, offering a stark warning about the dangers of unchecked power. Winner of numerous awards, including the New York Public Library’s Helen Bernstein Book Award, this literary journalism masterpiece dissects the grammar of violence and the psychological toll of living under a regime that devalues human life. Evangelista's courageous reporting provides a vital and urgent perspective on the true cost of despotism, making this a must-read for anyone concerned with human rights and the fragility of democracy.

Reviews
Foreign Policy In Focus · 2024-04-08
critical 4.20

The book is a critical examination of the Philippines' drug war, with a focus on bringing those responsible to justice. It is praised for its potential to spark international awareness.

The reviewer appreciates the book's potential to bring attention to the Philippines' drug war and hold those responsible accountable. They note that while the book may not be a bestseller in the Philippines, it could play a significant role in international advocacy. The reviewer also highlights the author's courage in tackling such a controversial and dangerous subject, making the book a vital contribution to the discourse on human rights and justice.

Quick quotes

    Some People Need Killing won't likely be a bestseller in the Philippines, but it could help bring Rodrigo Duterte to justice.

    The book is a searing indictment of a government that has prioritized brutality over justice.

    It is a call to action for the international community to take notice and act.

Foreign Affairs · 2024-02-20
powerful 4.00

The book is an intense and emotional lamentation for the victims of the Philippines' drug war. It is praised for its deep human insights and powerful narrative.

The reviewer commends the author for her intense and emotional account of the drug war's victims. They note that the book goes beyond mere reporting, offering a deeply human perspective that resonates with readers. The reviewer also highlights the author's ability to balance factual reporting with emotional storytelling, making the book both informative and deeply moving. They believe it is a crucial read for understanding the broader implications of extrajudicial killings.

Quick quotes

    Evangelista has written an intense, emotional lamentation for the thousands of suspected drug pushers, users, and innocent victims.

    The book is a powerful indictment of a government that has turned a blind eye to human rights.

    It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of unspeakable tragedy.

The New York Times · 2023-11-28
harrowing 4.50

The book is a powerful account of the Philippines' drug war, highlighting the brutality and human cost. It is praised for its meticulous reporting and emotional depth.

The reviewer highlights the book's unflinching look at the extrajudicial killings under Rodrigo Duterte's regime. They appreciate the author's courage in documenting the stories of victims and their families, providing a human face to the statistics. The book is described as a necessary read that brings attention to a critical issue often overlooked by the international community. The reviewer also notes the emotional toll of the subject matter, making it a harrowing but important read.

Quick quotes

    Evangelista’s reporting is meticulous and her prose is unflinching.

    The book is a stark reminder of the human cost of political rhetoric.

    It is a testament to the power of journalism to expose truth in the face of oppression.

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