Defectors

by Paola Ramos
Defectors cover
Good Books rating 3.42
Investigative Journalism
Technical
  • ID: 2977
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9780593687192
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2025-09-09
  • Reviews: 3

Defectors by Paola Ramos is a deeply reported exploration of how race, identity, and political trauma have influenced the growing far-right sentiment among Latino voters. The book challenges the long-held assumption that Latinos are a monolithic voting bloc loyal to the Democratic Party, revealing a complex and often misunderstood electorate. Through extensive reporting and personal stories, Ramos uncovers the motivations behind Latino voters who support candidates and issues that seem at odds with their self-interest. From GOP candidates to January 6th insurrectionists, the book highlights how tribalism, traditionalism, and political trauma have been weaponized to radicalize and convert voters. Ramos's cross-cultural analysis provides a nuanced understanding of how this demographic may shape the future of American politics.

Reviews
PopMatters · PopMatters · 2024-12-02
critical 2.50

The reviewer criticizes the book for having significant blind spots and being overly ambitious, which they argue weakens its scholarly rigor. They find the narrative too good to be true at times.

PopMatters takes a critical stance on 'Defectors,' pointing out what they see as massive blind spots in Ramos' analysis. They argue that the book's ambitious scope leads to a lack of depth in certain areas, making the narrative feel overly simplistic or even 'too good to be true.' The reviewer suggests that while the book raises important questions, it falls short in providing comprehensive and nuanced answers. They believe that a more balanced approach would have strengthened the overall impact of the work.

Quick quotes

    Paola Ramos has more than one 'massive blind spot', which makes the ambitious Defectors not scholarly enough and too good to be true.

    The book's ambitious scope leads to a lack of depth in certain areas.

    While the book raises important questions, it falls short in providing comprehensive and nuanced answers.

The New York Times · The New York Times · 2024-09-18
insightful 4.00

The book offers a nuanced exploration of the complex factors driving Latino support for far-right movements, highlighting personal stories and political trauma. The depth of research is commendable, but some readers may find the conclusions unsettling.

The New York Times review delves into how Paola Ramos meticulously investigates the rise of far-right sentiment among Latinos, a demographic often assumed to be reliably Democratic. They appreciate the book's thorough research and the personal stories that bring the issue to life. However, they note that the findings can be unsettling, as they challenge long-held assumptions about political allegiances. The review suggests that Ramos' work is essential for understanding contemporary political shifts, even if it forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths.

Quick quotes

    In 'Defectors,' the journalist Paola Ramos interviews MAGA supporters, Proud Boys and others to investigate a constituency long thought reliably Democratic.

    Ramos writes, blaming immigrants for what they perceive as the country's maladies 'is as American as it gets.'

    The book offers a nuanced exploration of the complex factors driving Latino support for far-right movements.

Kirkus Reviews · Kirkus Reviews · 2024-01-01
mixed 3.75

The book is praised for its piercing look at Latino right-wing extremism, which is described as not new but increasingly pronounced. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the investigation but notes it defies logic in some aspects.

Kirkus Reviews highlights 'Defectors' as a compelling examination of Latino right-wing extremism, a phenomenon they describe as increasingly pronounced despite not being new. They commend Ramos for her in-depth investigation and the insightful perspectives she brings to the table. However, they also note that some of the findings defy logic, which might leave readers questioning certain conclusions. Overall, the review suggests that the book is a significant contribution to understanding this complex issue, even if it raises more questions than it answers.

Quick quotes

    A piercing look at the phenomenon of Latino right-wing extremism—not new, but ever more pronounced.

    It defies logic, suggests Vice News/MSNBC correspondent.

    The book is a significant contribution to understanding this complex issue.

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