Shopped by Joanne Blytham

This is a very detailed study of the evils and exploitations of the supermarkets. It goes through a number of ways in which supermarkets have infiltrated not only our towns, cities and high streets, but also the very way in which we think about food and food shopping.

I started this book before I had heard of Ruth Stokes' and her Armchair Activists Handbook and I found that they complimented each other perfectly. Blytham's book is exhaustive in it's exploration of the impact of supermarkets, but fails to offer any suggestions for change or resistance. Perhaps Blytham assumes that we will all find it obvious that we should find alternatives as Ruth Stokes does but the tone of the book can often be defeatist. The anecdotes from farmers and suppliers seem hopeless and there seems little hope of government legislation reversing the impact that supermarkets have already had.

The book was researched and written some time ago and now therefore many of Blytham's points are much like predictions. An example of this is her concern that the supermarkets are getting around town planning by refurbishing empty lots on the high street which has absolutely come true. In fact I now see Tesco Express and Metro or Sainsbury's Local far more than I see full-sized stores.

The book was enlightening and has steeled me in my resolve to find alternative ways to shop. However, at times was quite repetitive and by half way through I felt as though I had the point and understood the implications. Many of the subjects tackled in each chapter over-lapped in content this meant that the repetitive nature was emphasised.

My favourite bit of information I learned and the one thing that I was surprised to find is that supermarkets actually work to limit our choice, variety and flavour expectations. I was horrified to find that I have never had the opportunity to taste literally hundreds of different fruits and vegetables because supermarkets have refused to stock them. This in itself is bad enough, but this has led to a horrifying decrease in the growth and production of these varieties. Artisan bread may be one thing, but artisan farmers, even artisan vegetables?

This book is nothing less than an incitement to action and it would be a better world were all consumers to read it.

Rating: ★★★