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Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
Picnic at Hanging Rock (1975)
1975 | Classics, Drama, Mystery
6.5 (2 Ratings)
Movie Favorite

"Agoraphobia, colonialism, trespass and gravity of sacred spaces, and a haunting portrayal of institutionalized abuse. I truly love how this film has become such a potent part of the fashion canon, via those pretty white dresses in afternoon sunlight. That golden light! And the subterranean hum in the sound design is perfect."

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The Poisonwood Bible
The Poisonwood Bible
Barbara Kingsolver | 2013 | Fiction & Poetry
10
7.9 (15 Ratings)
Book Rating
Detailed look into colonialism in Congo
Barbara Kingsolver's epic novel about missionaries and colonialism in the Congo through the eyes of the women in a Christian American family is decadent and detailed. While many will complain about the hard hitting truths of complicity of western nations in destroying the country, it is extremely important and brings to light many historically overlooked issues.

Keeping in mind that this is fictional, the various narratives​ are well researched to the point where at times it seems plausible and factual. The four main voices are completely different from one another and sometimes the anti-communist voice seemed like a mockery of that type of rhetoric. Leah's voice seemed more realistic than the others. Overall, a well written piece of literary fiction.
  
The Inheritance of Loss
The Inheritance of Loss
Kiran Desai | 2006 | Fiction & Poetry
9
9.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Rating
The tragic consequences of colonialism and class
Kiran Desai's vivid writing of the northern mountainous regions of Kalimpong was well captured in this desperate novel of the aftermath of British colonialism and the caste system in India.

The events are quite accurate as my own family who resided there during this time can substantiate. The violence that ensued the nation following independence was one of many tragic consequences of a country attempting to repair itself after massive divisions were sown.

At the same time, the experiences of an immigrant abroad is a good reflection of how imperialism allowed people to make the journey while still being treated as a second class citizen.

The story itself surrounding a small community of elites in the northern regions is interesting as many of them attempt to face their own demons and find an identity. Poignant, quite long, and well written.
  
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Emily Wilson recommended Coriolanus in Books (curated)

 
Coriolanus
Coriolanus
3.0 (1 Ratings)
Book Favorite

"I was tempted to include the complete works of Shakespeare, but I'll instead cite a great play that echos with “The Odyssey.” “Coriolanus,” is Shakespeare's most sustained depiction of a war veteran, which presents a brutal and heart-breaking portrait of ultra-masculinity and how it can break a man. There’s also “The Tempest,” about islands, magic, the sea, power, exile and colonialism, whose rich, vivid descriptions of nature were very much in my mind when I was working on my translation of “The Odyssey.”"

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