Books matching: impact of colonialism on africa
5 result(s)
- #1
Save:'Power of the Sword' by Wilbur Smith is a powerful story that encompasses family, love, hatred, and an all-encompassing passion for the Union of South Africa. It follows the lives of the Courtney family, focusing on Centaine de Thiry and her two sons, Sasha and Manfred, as they navigate through the tumultuous times spanning from World War I to World War II. The novel provides an insight into the historical and social developments in South Africa, including the apartheid period, while portraying the characters with strengths, flaws, and contradictory emotions, set against a backdrop of political and social conflicts.
Half-brothers and blood enemies Manfred de la Rey and Shasa Courtney, the sons of Centaine de Thiry-Courtney, are irrevocably caught up in an age-old and savage war to seize the sword of power in thei...
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series Courtney ) '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...- #3
Save:"Africa" by Michael S. Lewis and John Reader explores the history and evolution of the continent of Africa in immense detail. It delves into various aspects such as geological origins, anthropological history, early civilizations, European colonization, and political struggles. The writing style is described as comprehensive, in-depth, and engaging, covering a wide range of topics from geology, anthropology, and evolution to language, agriculture, and iron smelting. provides a thorough examination of Africa's past, shedding light on deeply flawed myths held in the Western psyche and revealing the continent's diverse and complex history.
- #4
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.
- #5
Save:'Dancing in the Glory of Monsters' by Jason Stearns is a detailed account of the actions during the Congo Wars, focusing on the people involved such as politicians, perpetrators, and victims. The book weaves together expertly narrated stories based on first-person interviews with those who have experienced the atrocities firsthand. Through these narratives, the author sheds light on the complex dynamics of the Wars, including the political motivations, differing perspectives of the various actors, and the ongoing conflicts in the region.
Stearns delves into the historical background of the Congo Wars, starting from the Rwanda massacres and tracing the events that led to the collapse of Mobutu's government, the rise of Laurent Kabila, and the subsequent conflicts that ravaged the region. The book offers a compelling analysis of the political and social landscape in Central Africa, highlighting the devastating impact of the wars and the intricate web of local, regional, and international conflicts that shaped the Congo's tumultuous history.
