Books matching: brutality of colonialism
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- #1
Save:A gorgeously written, eye-opening novel that brings a neglected part of Australian history to life. Best for those who relish atmospheric, character-driven stories and nuanced explorations of identity, belonging, and resilience.
Stone Sky Gold Mountain by Mirandi Riwoe is set in 1877 during the gold rush in Queensland. It follows Ying, a young Chinese girl, and her brother Lai Yue, who come to Australia to escape a debt-ridden life in China. Ying disguises herself as a boy to work in the harsh environment of the goldfields, where they face intense cultural shocks and racism. Meanwhile, they encounter Meriem, a young white Australian maid escaping her past. The novel weaves their lives together against a backdrop of suffering, survival, and the quest for fortune, all while shedding light on the complex intertwining of race and gender issues during colonial times.
Riwoe's writing style is both beautiful and immersive, painting vivid imagery of the characters' surroundings and experiences. The narrative is engaging, though it takes time for the plot to unfold, inviting readers to wander alongside the characters. While moments of intense action exist, the focus remains on the emotional and social complexities of the characters' lives. Insightful and well-researched, the book opens conversations around racism and misogyny that persist today, all while offering a unique perspective on an often overlooked part of Australia's history.
Ying dreams of her little brother, Lai Cheng. His dark hair shorn so close to his skull it is merely a field of prickles across his head. Up close, his scalp gleams through, the colour of a boiled duc...March 2020•247 pages - #2
Save:A detailed, thought-provoking look at a complex anti-colonial hero - though more rewarding for history aficionados than for those seeking a page-turner or classic Vargas Llosa storytelling.
The Dream of the Celt by Mario Vargas Llosa is a novel that delves into the life of Roger Casement, a complex historical figure who was involved in advocating for human rights in various parts of the world. The book portrays Casement's journey from his investigations of abuses in the rubber trade in Africa and Peru to his involvement in the Irish struggle for independence. Through detailed descriptions of Casement's experiences and inner conflicts, the novel explores themes of colonialism, justice, and personal sacrifice.
When they opened the door to his cell, the street noise that the stone walls had muffled came in along with the stream of light and a blast of wind, and Roger woke in alarm. Blinking, still confused,...2010•392 pages - #3
Save:An engaging deep dive into the exploits of Rogers and his Rangers - fascinating for military history buffs, though not without its blind spots and scholarly shortcuts.
'White Devil: A True Story of War, Savagery, and Vengeance in Colonial America' by Stephen Brumwell is a historical account focusing on the mercenary regiment led by Robert Rogers, who played a crucial role in the French and Indian War. The book provides a detailed narrative of the political and military landscape in colonial Canada, highlighting the relationships between various factions including Native American tribes and the French and British forces. Through vivid storytelling, Brumwell portrays the brutalities and challenges faced by colonial settlers during this tumultuous period, while also shedding light on the unexpected moments of humanity amidst the conflicts.
FOR THE INHABITANTS OF THE New Hampshire outpost known simply as Fort Number Four, the early summer of 1754 was a tense time. The stockaded village, and the outlying farmsteads that sought its protect...2004•337 pages A powerful, eye-opening critique of the British Empire that pulls no punches - essential for anyone wanting the full picture, but may feel too partisan or intense for some tastes.
"The Blood Never Dried: A People's History of the British Empire" by John Newsinger is a critical examination of the British Empire, focusing on various historical episodes that reveal the brutal and violent nature of colonialism. The book delves into atrocities committed during the British rule in different parts of the world, shedding light on the racist policies and violent strategies employed by British politicians. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Newsinger exposes the dark underbelly of the Empire, challenging the glorified narratives often associated with British imperialism.
The book presents a series of chapters that explore significant events such as the suppression of the Mau Mau in Kenya, the Indian freedom fighters' struggle, and the Palestine Revolt, among others. Through these narratives, Newsinger paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of colonial rule, debunking myths of benevolence and highlighting the lasting impact of violence and exploitation on the colonized nations. With a passionate condemnation of imperial violence and duplicity, "The Blood Never Dried" offers a compelling insight into the connective threads between past atrocities and current political landscapes.
September 2006•286 pagesA rich, eye-opening retelling of the American Revolution that puts neglected histories front and center - essential for anyone ready to rethink what they learned in school.
'American Revolutions: A Continental History, 1750-1804' by Alan Taylor is a comprehensive exploration of the American Revolution, offering correctives to the standard narrative by including perspectives from various groups such as the British, the Loyalists, other British colonies, and American Indians. Taylor delves into the complexities of the time, highlighting the tensions in the colonies, the global implications of the conflict, and the role of indigenous and enslaved peoples in the war. presents the Revolution as part of a larger global war waged by Britain in the 1770s and 80s, shedding light on often overlooked areas beyond the 13 colonies.
Taylor's writing style is engaging and informative, providing a fresh and authoritative interpretation of the events leading up to the war and the aftermath. He challenges traditional narratives by incorporating African American and Indigenous perspectives as central players, while also emphasizing the motivations of Empires involved in the conflict. offers a nuanced view of the American Revolution, portraying it as a series of social, economic, and political revolutions that reshaped the landscape of the time, both in the colonies and across cultures.
In 1760 in Boston, colonists gathered to hear the proclamation of a new king, George III. They vowed “all Faith and constant Obedience, with all hearty and humble Affection” and hoped that the monarch...September 2016•736 pages- #6
Save:Haunting, poetic, and uncompromising, The Roving Party is a powerful exploration of Tasmania’s violent past - brilliantly written, but not for the faint of heart.
The Roving Party by Rohan Wilson is a gripping tale set in 1800s convict era Tasmania, following a party commissioned by the Governor to hunt and kill Aborigines. Led by John Batman, the party consists of a mix of convicts and indigenous members, including the central character Black Bill. The novel delves into the brutal foundations of European settlement in Australia, highlighting the stark contrast between the Tasmanian aboriginals and the European occupiers. Wilson's writing style expertly portrays the social conditions of all characters, showcasing the complexities of their motivations and actions amidst the harsh Tasmanian landscape.
The book offers a haunting and evocative retelling of the clearing of Van Diemen's Land for white settlers, shedding light on a dark period of Australian history often overlooked. Through vivid language and complex characterizations, Wilson skillfully navigates the intricate relationships within the roving party, capturing the tension between the different members as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Tasmania during the Black Wars.
THEY WHISTLED FOR BLACK BILL THROUGH the foredawn and called his old clan name behind it, a name he had no good use for. He sat upright on the bed and looked about. The fire in the hearth was dead and...2011•300 pages A powerful, harrowing exposé on how the forces of empire and economics shaped today's 'third world.' Essential reading for history buffs and justice-seekers, but brace yourself for heavy, sometimes challenging material.
Late Victorian Holocausts: El Nino Famines and the Making of the Third World by Mike Davis is a bold interpretation of the interaction of nature and history, detailing how El Nino and climate conditions in the late 19th century contributed to the creation of what is now known as the Third World. The book describes various mass famines that occurred in Brazil, India, and China during the period of colonialism, shedding light on the immense suffering of the subjugated and exploited peoples. Davis delves into the impact of weather fluctuations, free traderism, colonialism, and capitalist organization, illustrating how these factors led to harvest failures, famines, epidemics, and social disintegration on a massive scale.
Davis's writing style is detailed and reserved, providing a calm yet harrowing account of the terrible suffering that accompanied British Rule in India, Africa, and China. The book combines statistics, testimonials, and historical evidence to demonstrate the devastating effects of drought and famine, as well as the indifference and repression of colonialist elites in the face of immense human tragedy. Through a mix of historical accounts and scientific discussions on weather patterns like El Nino, Davis presents a powerful accusation of Imperial actions in the late 19th century, highlighting the role of political actions in the deliberate holocaust that resulted in the creation of the Third World.
“Here’s the northeast monsoon at last,” said Hon. Robert Ellis, C.B., junior member of the Governor’s Council, Madras, as a heavy shower of rain fell at Coonoor, on a day towards the end of October 18...2000•477 pagesA thoughtful, richly sourced look at how the stories of King Philip's War helped shape early American identity - ideal for readers who want to dig into the meanings behind the history, not just the events themselves.
'The Name of War: King Philip's War and the Origins of American Identity' by Jill Lepore explores the historical conflict between New England colonists and Native Americans in the 17th century. Lepore delves into the complexities of the war, highlighting the contest of meanings and identities rather than just the physical battles. She focuses on how the colonists represented the events and constructed their English identity through narratives, symbols, and language, rather than just recounting the war's events. Lepore's writing style emphasizes the importance of texts, interpretations, and representations in shaping historical understanding and identity.
In the late, chilly days of January 1675, John Sassamon set out for Plymouth. It was only a short journey from Namasket, the Christian Indian town where he served as minister, but for Sassamon, who ca...1998•368 pages- #9
Save:Meticulously researched and powerfully told, The Patient Assassin is both a page-turner and a critical examination of colonial brutality and resilience. Ideal for history buffs and anyone interested in the untold stories behind India's fight for independence.
The Patient Assassin by Anita Anand is a gripping biography that chronicles the life of Udham Singh, who sought revenge for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. Anand meticulously weaves together his complex journey over two decades, revealing his transformation from an orphaned, low-caste man to a national martyr whose actions shook the British Empire. The book is not just a recounting of Singh's life but also delves deeply into the historical context, exploring the systematic cruelty of British colonial rule in India. Anand carefully balances her narrative with an understanding of both the victims and the perpetrators, offering readers a rich and nuanced view of this dark chapter in history.
Michael O’Dwyer had always loved the loamy richness of Tipperary earth. It was good, wholesome, and it grounded a fellow. To his mind there was no nobler profession than tilling the soil, making thing...June 2019•336 pages - #10
Save:Confronting, beautifully written, and unflinching - an Australian Western that's both gripping and deeply unsettling. Read it if you're ready to stare the darkest parts of history in the face.
In "Only Killers and Thieves" by Paul Howarth, the story is set in the late 1800s in Australia, depicting a dark and violent time in history where two teenage brothers, Tommy and Billy McBride, are forced to confront brutality, racism, and vengeance after a tragic event on their family cattle farm. The narrative follows their journey of justice and revenge as they navigate through the unforgiving Australian outback under the influence of wealthy landowners and the Native Police, shedding light on the horrors of white colonialism and the treatment of the indigenous population.
The writing style of Paul Howarth is expertly crafted, drawing comparisons to Cormac McCarthy and capturing the moody and brutal landscape of the Australian frontier with a powerful and moving narrative that delves deep into the complexities of morality, justice, and the consequences of violence in a society plagued by historical atrocities.
They stalked the ruined scrubland, searching for something to kill. Two boys, not quite men, tiny in a landscape withered by drought and drenched in unbroken sun. Vast plains pocked with spinifex and...February 2018•337 pages
