Books matching: colonial exploitation
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'Max Havelaar: of de koffieveilingen der Nederlandsche Handelmaatschappij' by Multatuli is a complex and challenging read that delves into the harsh realities of Dutch colonial exploitation in Indonesia. The plot unfolds through multiple viewpoints, including a Dutch coffee broker, an aspiring writer, an idealist newly appointed as a Resident in Java, a preacher, and a young servant, all interconnected through the coffee trade. The writing style is described as chaotic, disjointed, and at times preachy, but the substance of the story is impactful, shedding light on the maltreatment and exploitation of individuals in the name of profit.
I AM A coffee broker and live in a canal-side house at N 37 Lauriergracht. It is not my habit to write novels or suchlike, so it was some time before I could bring myself to order a few extra reams of...- #2
Save:'Nostromo' by Joseph Conrad is a complex novel set in a fictional South American country called Costaguana. The story revolves around the immense wealth of treasure in the mountains of the country and the impact it has on the characters. The central character, Nostromo, is a Genoese sailor known for his bravery and reliability, but as the plot unfolds, Conrad allows Nostromo to evolve unexpectedly. The novel delves into character studies of various residents of the town, the political turmoil surrounding the silver mine, and the moral corruption of individuals amidst revolution and dictatorship.
In the time of Spanish rule, and for many years afterwards, the town of Sulaco—the luxuriant beauty of the orange gardens bears witness to its antiquity—had never been commercially anything more impor... - #3
Save:Barkskins by Annie Proulx is a multigenerational epic spanning from 1693 to present day, exploring the North American story from the perspectives of First Nations peoples and European settlers. The novel delves into themes of identity, mixed cultures, environmentalism, and the impact of capitalist growth on the environment. Through detailed storytelling, Proulx follows the lives of two families intertwined with the history of the forests in North America, showcasing the evolution of relationships and the consequences of human actions over 400 years.
In twilight they passed bloody Tadoussac, Kébec and Trois-Rivières and near dawn moored at a remote riverbank settlement. René Sel, stiff black hair, slanted eyes, yeux bridés—in ancient times invadin... David Van Reybrouck's book 'Congo: The Epic History of a People' covers 140 years of life in the Congo, delving into the horrific amount of death and exploitation that occurred in the region. The book provides a comprehensive historical account of the Congo, from the colonial era to modern times, highlighting key events such as the slave trade, colonization, independence struggle, and the reign of dictators like Mobutu.
The writing style of 'Congo' is described as thrilling, informative, and well-researched, offering a detailed narrative that combines historical facts with personal anecdotes from Congolese individuals. The book captures the complexity of the Congo's history, shedding light on the violence, corruption, exploitation, and resilience of its people over the years.
NO ONE KNOWS EXACTLY WHEN DISASI MAKULO WAS BORN. But then neither did he. “I was born in the days when the white man had still not arrived in our area,” he told his children many years later. “We did...'How Europe Underdeveloped Africa' by Walter Rodney is a detailed analysis of the historical factors contributing to Africa's underdevelopment compared to the 'First World'. Rodney's writing style is described as accessible and informative, providing a chronological sequence of Africa's development and European interference. He delves into the impact of slavery and colonialism on African societies, highlighting the strategies employed by Europeans to exploit and suppress the continent. Rodney's work is considered a seminal piece on the legacy of European destruction in Africa, offering a broad background on the history of European involvement on the continent.
In contrast with the surging growth of the countries in the socialist camp and the development taking place, albeit much more slowly, in the majority of the capitalist countries, is the unquestionable...- #6
Save:The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara is a character study of Dr. Norton Perina, a Nobel Prize-winning scientist who discovers a hidden tribe in Micronesia and their secret to physical immortality. The book delves into Dr. Perina's psyche, portraying him as a self-involved aggressor who uses those around him for his own gain, leading to horrifying consequences. Through Dr. Perina's autobiography, the novel explores themes of exploitation, scientific discovery, and moral relativism, creating a multi-layered narrative that questions the ethics of colonialism and the impact of one man's actions on indigenous cultures.
I was born in 1924 near Lindon, Indiana, the sort of small, unremarkable rural town that some twenty years before my birth had begun to duplicate itself, quietly but insistently, across the Midwest. B... - #7
Save:The Singapore Grip by J.G. Farrell is a tragicomic tale set in Singapore in 1939 on the brink of World War II. The story follows the Blackett family, owners of a British rubber company, as they navigate personal and business challenges amidst the impending Japanese invasion. The book delves into the dynamics of the expat community in Singapore, the exploitation of colonial life, and the obliviousness of the British elite to the looming war. With a blend of historical events and dark humor, Farrell paints a vivid picture of a society in decline, capturing the struggles and complexities of the characters amidst a changing world.
The narrative of The Singapore Grip unfolds in two halves, depicting the pre-war Singapore life filled with cocktails, business decisions, and unsuitable love affairs, followed by the chaos of war as Singapore falls to the Japanese invasion. Farrell's writing style intricately weaves together historical reimagining, satire, and vivid descriptions, offering a richly detailed and humorous account of the events leading up to the city's downfall. The book explores themes of privilege, exploitation, and the unraveling of a once orderly society under the pressure of war, creating a compelling and thought-provoking read.
The city of Singapore was not built up gradually, the way most cities are, by a natural deposit of commerce on the banks of some river or at a traditional confluence of trade routes. It was simply inv... - #8
Save: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, ... - #9
Save:'The Secret of Sinharat' in the 'Eric John Stark' series by Leigh Brackett is a gripping tale set in the barren deserts and wildlands of Mars. The story follows Stark, an outlaw and mercenary, as he is forced to work for the authorities in infiltrating a violent warlord's plans of conquest. Along the way, Stark encounters old enemies, makes new ones, and faces deadly challenges such as storms and a narcotic radiation that causes regression to beasthood. The plot twists like a whirlpool as Stark navigates through a world filled with ray guns, swords, aliens, and axes, blurring the lines between technology and magic.
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Save:'The Anarchy: The East India Company, Corporate Violence, and the Pillage of an Empire' by William Dalrymple is a historical narrative detailing the rise of the East India Company and its takeover of the Indian subcontinent. The book covers events from the late 16th century to the early 19th century, focusing on the Company's exploitation of political disunity, military tactics, and economic conquest to amass wealth and power. Dalrymple's writing style is described as vivid and clear, presenting a sordid picture of corporate greed, political manipulation, and cultural clashes during this tumultuous period in history.
Dalrymple weaves together accounts of key figures such as Robert Clive, Warren Hastings, Tipu Sultan, and Shah Alam, shedding light on their roles in the Company's expansion and the downfall of the Mughal Empire. Through extensive research and use of historical documents, the author paints a detailed narrative of how a small group of merchants from a distant land managed to overthrow one of the wealthiest and most powerful empires of the time, leaving a legacy of corporate power and exploitation in their wake.
On 24 September 1599, while William Shakespeare was pondering a draft of Hamlet in his house downriver from the Globe in Southwark, a mile to the north, barely twenty minutes’ walk across the Thames, ...
