Books matching: impact of colonialism
100 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Arrow of God' by Chinua Achebe follows the encroachment of British colonialism on two small Igbo villages, exploring the complexities of interactions between white men, tribal chiefs, and others with subtlety and humor. The book delves into the conflict between the traditional African tribal society and the influence of the white man and Christianity, focusing on the Chief Priest of the tribe, Ezeulu, and his struggle to maintain his power as the colonial structures become more prevalent.
The narrative skillfully portrays the clash of cultures, the impact of colonialism on traditional ways of life, and the tensions between the native people and the colonists. Through vivid storytelling, Achebe weaves a tale of tragedy, power struggles, and the inevitable changes brought about by the arrival of the white man in early 20th-century Nigeria.
This was the third nightfall since he began to look for signs of the new moon. He knew it would come today but he always began his watch three days early because he must not take a risk. In this seaso...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The African Trilogy ) - #2
Save:'Afterlives: A Novel' by Abdulrazak Gurnah is a meandering story through the lives of characters in Africa, focusing on the haunting consequences of a woman's affair with her husband's best friend amidst war and colonialism. The narrative delves into the historical context of Germany as a colonial power, shedding light on the horror of colonialism and the disregard for human dignity through vividly portrayed characters and emotional intelligence. The novel follows the intertwined lives of various African characters in the first half of the 20th century, exploring themes of colonialism in Africa by European powers, displacement, suffering, and the return to roots.
The central characters, victims of casual brutality, endure deprivation and violence, showcasing resourcefulness and patience in the face of adversity. The story unfolds through chronological switches in point of view, delving into surprising themes such as slavery, sexual mores, and the impact of colonialism on African lives. As the characters navigate through war, manhood, responsibility, and self-deceit, the narrative weaves a powerful fusion of religion, class, and savage lives left on the margins of civilization.
- #3
Save:'At Night All Blood is Black' by David Diop is a powerful and haunting story set during World War I, following the journey of Alfa Ndiaye, a Senegalese soldier fighting for France. The book delves into the horrors of war, exploring themes of friendship, trauma, and the impact of colonialism on African soldiers. Through a unique narrative style that includes circular thought and repetition, the book portrays Alfa's descent into madness after the death of his closest friend, Mademba Diop, on the battlefield.
The novel skillfully weaves together Alfa's experiences on the Western Front, his struggles with guilt and grief, and his gradual unraveling as he seeks revenge for Mademba's death. Through vivid storytelling and a mix of realism and psychological exploration, 'At Night All Blood is Black' offers a poignant and thought-provoking portrayal of the effects of war on an individual's psyche.
… I KNOW, I UNDERSTAND, I shouldn’t have done it. I, Alfa Ndiaye, son of the old, old man, I understand, I shouldn’t have. God’s truth, now I know. My thoughts belong to me alone, I can think what I w... 'The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable' by Amitav Ghosh is a thought-provoking book that delves into the intersections of literature, climate change, history, and politics. The author presents a compelling argument on why literature has not adequately addressed climate change, highlighting the impact of imperialism on countries like India and China. Ghosh also explores the role of politics in addressing climate change, shedding light on the efforts of countries like the USA and England in maintaining their economic positions amidst the environmental crisis. The book is praised for its lyrical writing style and its ability to connect climate change with art and political thought, making it a captivating read for those interested in the topic.
Who can forget those moments when something that seems inanimate turns out to be vitally, even dangerously alive? As, for example, when an arabesque in the pattern of a carpet is revealed to be a dog’...- #5
Save:'The Wretched of the Earth' by Frantz Fanon is a powerful analysis of the psychological and social impact of colonization on oppressed peoples. Fanon delves into the challenges faced by postcolonial nations, emphasizing the need for liberation from oppressive forces. Through compelling case studies and revolutionary insights, Fanon explores the complexities of decolonization, highlighting the struggles and pitfalls that accompany the path to freedom. His writing style weaves together historical analysis with psychological profiles, offering a unique perspective on the dynamics of colonialism and the fight for independence.
National liberation, national reawakening, restoration of the nation to the people or Commonwealth, whatever the name used, whatever the latest expression, decolonization is always a violent event. At... - #6
Save:"The Autobiography of My Mother" by Jamaica Kincaid is a deep and intense meditation on race, gender, family ties, and the lasting impacts of colonization in the Caribbean. The West Indian narrator reflects on her bitter life experiences, including the absence of her mother, a distant father, and a difficult marriage to a colonialist. The protagonist, Xuela, navigates through her grief, autonomy over her body, and exploration of the meaning of love, all while questioning her identity and relationships with others amidst the backdrop of a postcolonial society.
The narrative unfolds with a sharp and exact writing style that delves into the character's innermost thoughts and challenges readers to contemplate the historical context that shapes the story. Kincaid's portrayal of Xuela as a flawed yet introspective protagonist highlights themes of grief, autonomy, feminism, and the impact of absent parents, all while maintaining a sense of dark fatalism that underscores the character's journey of self-discovery and resilience.
My mother died at the moment I was born, and so for my whole life there was nothing standing between myself and eternity; at my back was always a bleak, black wind. I could not have known at the begin... - #7
Save:In "Weep Not, Child" by Ngugi wa Thiong'o, the story follows Njoroge, a young boy in Kenya hungry for education during the time of the fight for independence from the British. The novel explores the conflicts of the time through Njoroge's family members, their histories, and relationships, painting a moving and powerful portrait of the era. Set against the backdrop of the Mau Mau uprising, the book delves into themes of loyalty, opposition, and the impact of colonial rule on ordinary Kenyan lives, particularly focusing on Njoroge's struggle to balance his desire for education with the political turmoil surrounding him.
NYOKABI CANED HIM. She was a small, black woman, with a bold but grave face. One could tell by her small eyes full of life and warmth that she had once been beautiful. But time and bad conditions do n... - #8
Save:'The Origin of AIDS' by Jacques Pepin delves into the historical origins and spread of HIV/AIDS, tracing the disease back to colonialism in central Africa and the impact of European colonial regimes on the region. Pepin explores how the virus crossed from chimpanzees to humans in the early 20th century and how it spread from Africa to Haiti, the U.S., Europe, and the rest of the world due to various factors including unhygienic medical practices and policies that encouraged prostitution. combines social, political, and medical history to provide a comprehensive understanding of the pandemic.
Pepin's writing style in 'The Origin of AIDS' is described as detailed, informative, and compelling, seamlessly blending scientific research with historical accounts. He presents a plausible explanation for the spread of the virus, drawing on both circumstantial and hard evidence to trace its path from Africa to other parts of the world. is structured in a way that makes the complex topic easy to follow, with chapters and sections that compartmentalize information for readers, allowing them to skim through the heavier parts while still grasping the significance of the history presented.
Additional and quite strong support for a central African origin of HIV-1 came from the testing of archival samples of blood. In the mid- and late 1980s, after reliable serological tests had become av... '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...- #10
Save:A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid is a powerful memoir, history of Antigua, and an essay of anger against colonization. Kincaid's writing style is succinct, emotional, and brutally honest, shedding light on the impact of colonialism and corruption in Antigua. The book confronts tourists with the harsh realities of the country, criticizing the corrupt political system and the suffering of its people. Through vivid prose, Kincaid paints a vivid picture of the beauty of Antigua overshadowed by deep-rooted issues inherited from slavery and colonialism.
