Books matching: colonial legacy
78 result(s)
'Sudan: Darfur and the Failure of an African State' by Richard Cockett delves into the complex history and ongoing internal strife of Sudan. It provides a thorough review of the factors, factions, outside forces, and infighting that have shaped the country. The author explores the failures of humanitarianism, the manipulation by political figures like Hassan El Turabi, the post-colonial legacy, and the involvement of various stakeholders in Sudan's conflicts.
Cockett's writing style is described as deep, rich, and well-argued, offering a comprehensive diagnosis of Sudan's problems. covers the history of the war in the region, the rebal formation fighting against the government, and highlights key figures in Sudanese history. It is recommended for those interested in understanding the conflict in Sudan and provides insights into the country's internal conflicts beyond Darfur.
Khartoum, the capital of Sudan, is situated at the junction of the White Nile and the Blue Nile. Not that there is usually anything very colourful about either river – suffice it to say that in the mi...- #2
Save:'Red Skin, White Masks: Rejecting the Colonial Politics of Recognition' by Glen Sean Coulthard is a thought-provoking and insightful analysis of settler colonial relations with indigenous peoples in Canada. Coulthard takes a materialist approach, drawing on Marxist political economy to critique the politics of recognition and decolonization efforts. The book delves into the historic dispossession and brutalization of Canada's indigenous peoples, providing a detailed examination of the conflicts between exploitive capitalism and the traditional lifestyles of indigenous communities.
Coulthard's writing style is described as careful, powerful, and honest, offering a comprehensive exploration of colonialism and decolonization. The book is praised for its crisp intellect and relevance to contemporary issues surrounding colonial legacies, making it a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of settler colonialism and indigenous struggles in Canada and beyond.
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Save:Set in postcolonial India, 'Staying On' by Paul Scott follows Colonel Tusker and Lucy Smalley, a British couple who choose to remain in India after independence. The novel explores their struggles as they navigate their diminishing influence and relevance in a changing society, their strained relationship, and their interactions with the Indian community. Written with humor and poignancy, the story delves into themes of aging, cultural displacement, and the legacy of the Raj, offering a multi-layered narrative that reflects on love, loss, and the end of an era.
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Save:'In a Free State' by V.S. Naipaul is a collection of thematically connected stories that explore themes of immigration, colonialism, exile, and cultural identity. The book includes three major pieces, each with distinct plots and characters, but all linked by the common thread of displacement and struggles in foreign lands. Naipaul's writing style is described as detached and impersonal, offering a strong, depressing feel to the stories and evoking a sense of dislocation and crisis for the characters.
The narratives in the book range from a young man's journey from Bombay to Washington and the regrets of his decisions, to a story of an English couple driving through an unnamed East African country amidst political upheaval. Naipaul's depiction of characters and settings, particularly in the titular novella, creates tension and a sense of impending horror, akin to a Hitchcock thriller, while addressing the difficulties of adjusting to new environments and cultures.
IT WAS ONLY a two-day crossing from Piraeus to Alexandria, but as soon as I saw the dingy little Greek steamer I felt I ought to have made other arrangements. Even from the quay it looked overcrowded,... - #5
Save:Small Wars, Far Away Places by Michael Burleigh offers a compelling narrative about the political failures and missteps of major powers, especially the United States and Britain, between 1945 and 1965. The book covers various crises such as Korea, Vietnam, and the struggles in Africa and the Middle East, illustrating how colonial legacies shaped modern conflicts. Burleigh's writing is engaging, filled with sharp insights about key historical figures and events, making it an accessible yet profound overview of a tumultuous period in history.
The structure consists of short, punchy chapters that hold the reader's attention while exploring complex subjects. Burleigh incorporates both facts and personal commentary, providing a unique perspective on the personalities and decisions of leaders. His style blends detailed anecdotes with a critical lens, prompting readers to reflect on the broader implications of Western intervention in faraway conflicts. Despite some critiques regarding clarity and grammar, the book remains a valuable resource for understanding the intricate dynamics of post-war geopolitics.
The end of the Second World War was like a starting pistol for what the uninvolved often dismiss as ‘little’ colonial wars. From December 1941 Japanese forces had swept all before them, defying the hu... - #6
Save:'The Redundancy of Courage' by Timothy Mo is a politically charged novel set against the backdrop of the invasion and occupation of East Timor by Indonesia. The story follows a unique main character, Adolph Ng, who struggles between his principles and his comfort in the midst of a tropical guerrilla war. The narrative explores themes of inner strength, survival, national identity, loyalty, and the courage of one's convictions against political oppression and self-preservation. The writing style is described as highly engaging, with a mix of war novel and political thriller elements, offering a thought-provoking exploration of the rights and wrongs of the situation.
I don’t want them forgotten: Rosa, Osvaldo, Raoul, Maria, Martinho. Arsenio It would be easy to say in the glib way of those who can lead uninterrupted lives in placid places that such oblivion would ... - #7
Save:Black Skin, White Masks by Frantz Fanon is a seminal work that delves into the black psyche in a white world, exploring the formation of black identity and the abhorrence of one's own identity due to colonial hegemony. Through a psychoanalytical lens, Fanon examines how racism is internalized by both Whites and Blacks, leading to a fractured black identity and the need to wear a "white mask" to navigate a racist society. The book blends clinical, literary, and personal examples to present a broad Freudian study on racism and the alienation of black individuals in white societies.
We attach a fundamental importance to the phenomenon of language and consequently consider the study of language essential for providing us with one element in understanding the black man’s dimension ... - #8
Save:Nick Harkaway's 'Tigerman' is a tale that combines elements of post-colonial intrigue, superhero fiction, and a surrogate father-son story set on the doomed island of Mancreu. The story follows British sergeant Lester Ferris as he navigates his duty on the island facing destruction due to environmental hazards, his bond with a local teenage boy, and his transformation into a reluctant superhero known as Tigerman. The novel delves into themes of love, sacrifice, friendship, and the impending environmental disaster, all while maintaining a balance between humor, thrill, and emotional depth in a unique and engaging writing style.
The whole business had come as a surprise to everyone involved, not least of all it seemed to the pelican herself, who had engaged in the attempt almost absently and now appeared to be wishing it was ... - #9
Save:Crossing the Mangrove by Maryse Condé tells the story of Francis Sancher, an enigmatic outsider whose death sparks curiosity and reflection among the villagers of Riviere au Sel in Guadeloupe. The narrative unfolds through multiple perspectives, each character sharing their relationship with Francis and revealing how he impacted their lives. The book delves into themes of identity, prejudice, and the complexities of human interaction, capturing the unique culture of the Caribbean while highlighting the villagers' conflicting emotions toward Francis, as they navigate love, hate, and their shared histories.
Condé's writing style is poetic and vivid, bringing both the characters and the setting to life with rich descriptions and a unique use of language. The structure is narrative-driven, shifting between different voices and stories that create a tapestry of experiences. Although it does not provide clear answers regarding Francis's death, the exploration of the villagers' lives and feelings offers profound insights into their struggles and journeys. Readers may find the story both frustrating and enlightening as they piece together the connections within the community.
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Save:In Kei Miller's novel, 'Augustown', readers are taken on a journey through a poor suburb of Kingston, Jamaica, where social unrest and marvels coexist. The book delves into themes of colonialism, cultural heritage, and the struggle for identity within the Jamaican community. Through a blend of reality, history, legend, and magic, the author weaves a tale that explores the consequences of a young Rastafarian boy being forcibly shorn of his dreadlocks, highlighting the clash between tradition and modernity. Miller's writing style effortlessly transitions between standard English and Jamaican patois, creating an atmospheric and poignant narrative that captures the essence of Augustown.
Blind people hear and taste and smell what other people cannot, and what Ma Taffy smells on this early afternoon makes her sit up straight. She smells it high and ripe and stink on the air, like a bri...
