Some books are hard to write about, for example because they are artistic or because they are dense. This is both. Poet Moten and academic Harney blend their voices together in this work, and it shows. The text is around 100 pages long, and begins with an observation: In films, colonial people who land on shores are often surrounded by spear-wielding "natives". The narrative suggests that colonial people act in self-defence, and that enclosure happens as a result of this need for protection.

From this beginning, the book explores enclosures, borders, public/private space and identity. This is not an easy book, and sections required rereading not only because the language is dense, but also because the concepts are layered and complex. However, even as an object to enjoy in a moment, as a poetic response to a long and dark history, it is a brilliant piece.

The second half is an interview with the authors, which explains the project a little more but is really an accompaniment for those who want it. The power of the book is in its first section.