Since I primarily read novels, I want to incorporate more history, biography and literary journalism into my reading. A favourite non-fiction literary award, The British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding, recently announced their 2023 shortlist and you can watch me discuss it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mgrdpXAqRdk They recognise work that searches for truth and reason in difficult places and books which highlight the connections and divisions that shape cultural identity worldwide. I've started reading through the six books on this year's list and they're taking me on some fascinating journeys.
First, “Papyrus” is an enjoyable and insightful look at the history of books in our ancient civilisation. Not only does it explain how the very first books were created in the form of scrolls, but it shows how there have been book hoarders and literary list makers since the very first books were created. Good to know we've always been around! Irene Vallejo draws in her personal history and contemporary references to show our close connection to the earliest books. I've also just read “Red Memory” which offers penetrating accounts from people involved with or affected by the Cultural Revolution. It's in turns shocking and psychologically insightful getting these first hand accounts of the atrocities which led to so many deaths and betrayals within Chinese communities. I was especially interested in reading this after having read the novel “Cocoon” last year.
Additionally, “Black Ghost of Empire” re-examines the history of emancipation in the US and British Empire showing how slavery turned into another form of subjugation for many people. “The Violence of Colonial Photography” explores how the early photography was used as an instrument of warfare within colonial conflicts. “Courting India” traces how English diplomat Thomas Roe forged connections with the Mughal Empire in the early 1600s & impacted relations between Britain and India for centuries. And “Ritual” explores what ritualised practices in different cultures say about our personalities and how they sooth, excite, divide and unite us.
Have you read any of these books or are you interested in them now? Is there any other non-fiction you’ve read recently that you’d recommend?
There will be a free online event with the shortlisted authors on October 30th and the winner will be announced on October 31st.
