Books matching: post colonial society
7 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Wide Sargasso Sea' by Jean Rhys is a haunting and dreamlike novel that serves as a prequel to 'Jane Eyre'. It delves into the life of Antoinette Cosway, the first Mrs. Rochester, exploring her descent into madness within the lush landscapes of the West Indies. The book provides a compelling backstory to the character of Bertha, portraying the complexities of class and racial tensions in a post-colonial and post-slavery society, all while challenging the reader's sympathies between Antoinette and Rochester.
They say when trouble come close ranks, and so the white people did. But we were not in their ranks. The Jamaican ladies had never approved of my mother, ‘because she pretty like pretty self’ Christop... 'The Beautyful Ones Are Not Yet Born' by Ayi Kwei Armah is a masterpiece that delves into the corruption and decay of post-colonial African societies, particularly focusing on Ghana. The plot follows an unnamed man who refuses to accept a bribe at work, showcasing the pervasiveness of bribery in society and the moral struggle faced by individuals. The narrative is rich in detail, providing insights into the challenges of upholding honor and integrity in a corrupt system, all set against the backdrop of a country transitioning from strife and hope to inhuman hardship.
Ayi Kwei Armah's writing style in this book is described as eloquent, descriptive, and brilliantly human, with Africa vividly portrayed in its pages. The author weaves together poetry, intellectual insight, and powerful imagery to create a moving masterpiece that captures the struggles and conflicts faced by individuals in a society plagued by corruption and greed. is a thoughtful meditation on the societal foundations of Ghana in the 1960s, with a slow wistfulness and short bursts of narrative interspersed with long, reflective chapters that examine the protagonist's thoughts and actions within the context of his environment.
- #3
Save:'Disgrace' by J.M. Coetzee follows the story of Professor David Lurie, an aging university teacher who faces disgrace after being accused of inappropriate relationships with his students. The narrative delves into themes of age, relationships, culture, and taboo, exploring the protagonist's brutal honesty about himself and his struggles to navigate his disintegrating career and personal life. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the novel addresses complex issues such as race relations, power dynamics, and societal transformations, all while showcasing Coetzee's spare and engaging writing style that keeps readers engrossed in the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and redemption.
FOR A MAN of his age, fifty-two, divorced, he has, to his mind, solved the problem of sex rather well. On Thursday afternoons he drives to Green Point. Punctually at two p.m. he presses the buzzer at ... - #4
Save:So Long a Letter by Mariama Ba is a short epistolary novel written by a Senegalese Muslim woman, Ramatoulaye, to her friend Aissatou as she mourns the death of her husband. The book delves into the struggles of the main characters dealing with polygamy in Senegalese society, showcasing the impact on their lives and relationships. The novel portrays themes of female independence, societal expectations, and cultural traditions, providing a glimpse into the lives of women navigating through grief, betrayal, and resilience.
The book is written in a letter format, offering a poignant and insightful reflection on the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society. Through the narrative, readers are drawn into the emotional journey of Ramatoulaye as she shares her experiences, thoughts, and feelings with her friend, exploring themes of love, loss, and the evolving role of women in postcolonial Senegalese society.
Your presence in my life is by no means fortuitous. Our grandmothers in their compounds were separated by a fence and would exchange messages daily. Our mothers used to argue over who would look after... - #5
Save:'The Long Earth' by Terry Pratchett and Stephen Baxter explores the concept of infinite alternate Earths and universes that are reachable by stepping through either natural ability or mechanically assisted means. The story follows the journey of the protagonist, Joshua, and an artificial intelligence named Lobsang as they explore the multitude of parallel worlds, encountering various societal and existential challenges along the way. The book is described as a methodical examination of the impact of discovering a series of inhabitable Earths and the societal upheavals that would occur if humanity could walk into a million other Earths.
The narrative of 'The Long Earth' is a blend of science fiction and speculative fiction, incorporating elements of humor, colorful characters, and inventive world-building. The story is set in a universe where people can side-step into alternate Earths, leading to a thorough exploration of resource allocation management and social commentary on humanity's use of the world they have. The book has a somewhat episodic structure, reflecting the collaboration between the two authors and offering a balance between hard science and humanist levity.
Although he was slightly worried, in a concussed kind of way, why he was lying in damp though fragrant grass and not on his bedroll. Ah yes, fragrant grass, there hadn’t been much fragrance where he’d... - #6
Save:Set shortly after World War II, 'The Great Fire' by Shirley Hazzard follows the journey of Aldred Leith, a decorated veteran, as he travels through China and Japan to document the aftermath of the war. In Japan, he meets an Australian military family, and falls in love with their 17-year-old daughter, leading to a complex and poignant love story. The book beautifully describes the characters navigating through the wreckage of the war, while also exploring themes of longing, guilt over colonialism, and the impact of mass trauma on individuals.
Hazzard's writing style in 'The Great Fire' is described as lyrical, reflective, and elegantly written. The novel captures the essence of the post-war period in the Pacific region, portraying a sense of place and time that feels true to the era. The story unfolds slowly, with rich descriptions of exotic locations in Asia, providing a deep insight into the characters' emotions and struggles amidst a changing world.
NOW THEY WERE STARTING. Finality ran through the train, an exhalation. There were thuds, hoots, whistles, and the shrieks of late arrivals. From a megaphone, announcements were incomprehensible in Ame... - #7
Save:Set in colonial Rhodesia in the late 1960s, 'Nervous Conditions' by Tsitsi Dangarembga follows the story of Tambu, a young girl determined to receive an education to uplift herself and her family from poverty. The novel explores the clash between traditional Shona society and the impacts of colonization, focusing on Tambu's journey alongside her British-educated cousin, Nyasha. Dangarembga's writing delves into themes of post-colonialism, cultural hybridization, and the struggles of women within a patriarchal society, providing a nuanced and insightful perspective on the complexities of identity and self-discovery.
I was not sorry when my brother died. Nor am I apologising for my callousness, as you may define it, my lack of feeling. For it is not that at all. I feel many things these days, much more than I was ...
