Douglas Murray: The Strange Death of Europe. A review.

This is one of the most controversial books of the last decade. Just the idea of reading this book in public, with its cover brandished for all to see, makes my head spin. I dread the wrath or fury that may be unleashed on me for even considering reading the ideas held on each page. Such is the way of life in 2024, and partly Murray’s point. 

The Strange Death of Europe landed on my Amazon wish list during the debate surrounding the recent UK riots, which included a number of interviews with Douglas Murray. His classic strong and unforgiving takes on the matter sent Twitter/X into a frenzy; I had been aware of this book for some time, but I thought that I would read it, and see why it was coming back into the zeitgeist. 

This blog is about well-being and lifestyle, so while the content of this book does not fit directly into the context of the blog, reading the ideas in full and taking time away from the vitriol of social media does. 

What is The Strange Death of Europe About?

The book is an extended academic political argument, many argue it is a warning, for the future of European life. It covers a number of topics – mainly the Immigration crisis of the early-mid 2010s, the weakening of a European identity – exploring some of the reasons for why huge numbers of migrants may be detrimental to the continent – and Islam. 

Murray argues that Europe is undergoing a profound transformation that may threaten Europes very existence. The book posits that a combination of declining birth rates, ageing populations, mass immigration, and a loss of faith in traditional Western values has left Europe vulnerable to external influences – some who have clear intentions to tear down the European way of life. Murray contends that the European political elite has failed in their duty to address these challenges, often dismissing concerns about immigration and integration as xenophobic or racist. He strongly argues that this is not done out of incompetence – but fear and generational guilt. 

He argues that politicians rise to leadership roles by earning temporary political points, portraying themselves as a redeemer of past wrongs, spreading a message which ultimately undermines how Europeans see themselves, and the narrative others write about them. The book delves into the historical contexts, exploring how post-war guilt, particularly around colonialism and the Holocaust, has led many Europeans to embrace multiculturalism and open borders as a form of atonement. Murray critiques this mindset, suggesting that it has led to a weakening of European identity and cohesion. 

A thread which runs throughout the entire book, ties together the challenges Europe faces in integrating Muslim immigrants. Murray raises concerns about the impact of Islam on European values, particularly around issues like freedom of speech, gender equality, and secularism. He argues that while most Muslims integrate successfully, there is a growing divide that threatens social harmony.

Throughout the book, Murray combines personal anecdotes, interviews, and a wide range of statistical data to support his arguments. He also explores the philosophical and moral questions surrounding the future of Europe, questioning whether the continent can survive its current trajectory without significant cultural and political change.

At the time of writing this, the book is 7 years old. Many of the concerns that Murray raises have arguably become more exaggerated. 

Our Review: Is the Strange Death of Europe Worth Reading? 

The answer to this question depends on why you have chosen to read this book. Whether to confirm an already pre-existing bias, to understand his point of view better, or out of interest – having picked up the book from a ‘best seller’ stand and knowing nothing about the book itself.

Overall, the book is very well written, evidenced and articulated to build an argument that is extremely complex and multifaceted. At points, the book is dense and academic, but not so much so that it cannot be picked up for a bit of light reading. Murray has a way of using dry humour, building on emotion, and shockingly graphic details to slam home his arguments. It is unforgiving, and excruciatingly damning of out political class. 

It is hard to argue that the key points of the book are not relevant to our daily lives. They are bubbling tensions which have existed long before many of us were born. 

This book is political, so it is likely that many of the reviews for this book will not be based on it’s content, but the political tribe the reviewer belongs to.

But, is the book worth reading? You will get a great deal from this book if you wish to dig deeper into the path that has led us here, and why we face the challenges of two cultures pushing against each other. If you wish to explore the arguments or add more knowledge to your understanding of the issues. It seems this book is worth reading for academics, journalists or politicians – for most normal people it is profoundly disheartening and miserable. 

If you’re reading the book to get angry or fight somebody on Twitter/X – don’t bother – just watch a You-Tube summary of the book.