Behn was a C.17th poet,
dramatist, and novelist, whose background remains unknown. Despite
contributions to European Literature with satirical explorations of taboo
topics, she seems to have been largely forgotten. With her works published
anonymously due to being a female writer, she influenced the development of the
English novel and was able to earn a living through her writing – the first
woman to do so. Much of Behn’s work before the 1670s lacked commercial success:
it wasn’t until later that Behn gained popularity with the publication of novels
like Oroonoko (1688). This novel was inspired by her childhood travels
to the West Indies, where she befriended a prince of indigenous people. However,
although this literary piece seems to be one of the first to provide a moderately
respectful perspective towards a non-white, non-English protagonist, it is
still considered controversial in many aspects.
Why You Should Read:
Behn’s works offer a
challenging read, whilst focusing on more satirical subjects not usual of that
era. Her overcoming of social barriers in order to author influential works have
inspired many generations of female writers.
Undeniably James Baldwin is one
of the most well-known writers of the 20th century, whose works
expose the brutality of American society. However his desire for change and to
raise awareness on many unspoken aspects of society seemed unmatched by his
success. Baldwin has been described by the London Review of Books as ‘a black
writer before the Civil Rights movement, a gay writer in homophobic mid-century
America’, yet many of the problems highlighted in his work are still prevalent today.
In his essays, novels, and plays, Baldwin relentlessly exposed racial and
social issues, with many of his novel protagonists being African American and
featuring characters from a range of backgrounds. Novels like Another
Country (1962) don’t hesitate in exploring then-controversial topics like
interracial marriage too. Aside from racial themes, it must be mentioned that as
a gay man, Baldwin was determined to rid the stereotype of the supposed
disconnection between male homosexuality and masculinity as well.
Why You Should Read:
His works are
thought-provoking and offer an insight into a man not only oppressed for his
race, but also his sexuality. His literature remains relevant, and many of the
issues highlighted can be spotted unfortunately even today. He exposes the
reality of American society for many and focuses on its down-falls – something
often overlooked in American-based literature.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Adichie was named by The Times
Literary Supplement as an author ‘succeeding in attracting a new generation of
African Literature’. She is most notably known for her 2013 novel, Americanah,
which has been translated into over 30 languages. This book reflects on her
journey of moving to America as a black woman and her sudden awareness of feeling
different and out of place. Adichie’s pride towards her Nigerian identity is
often brought into her novels, with comparisons of gender roles and the
differing restrictions placed on younger people. She has mentioned how fellow
Nigerian author, Chinua Achebe, and his novel Things Fall Apart (1958) –
a chronicle of pre-colonial life and life after the arrival of European
colonisers in southeast Nigeria - has motivated much of her writing. In fact,
her debut novel Purple Hibiscus features a reference to his novel: ‘Things
started to fall apart…’
Why You Should Read:
Her stories are
personal and allow the reader to immerse themselves into the story, feeling
both the joy and the sadness of the narrators. Collections like The Thing
Around Your Neck (2009) encourage deep-thinking into culture and how it
varies around the world, whilst stories like Zikora (2020) demonstrate the
common and draining struggles which many face.
Mochtar Lubis was an Indonesian
Batak journalist who believed in humanism, truth, and justice. Despite the consequences,
he worked tireless to achieve these things with criticisms and controversial
works, saying how ‘we, you, I have all chosen the path of struggle.’ Lubis has
also set multiple milestones: for example, he was the first Indonesian to win
the Phillippine Ramon Magsaysay Award for Journalism and Literature,
with his significant contributions to the journalism sector. Lubis’ commitment
to change led to the co-founding of the Obor Indonesia Foundation in
1970, the newspaper Indonesia Raya, and the cultural and literary
magazine Horison. One of his most notable works was Lubis’ Twilight
in Jakarta (1963) – the first Indonesian novel to be translated into
English. It was considered controversial at time of publication due to
parallels with 1950s Indonesian and its themes of corruption and power abuse. His
criticism of President Sukarno within the book and through other means
alongside his demand for freedom of press led to him to become imprisoned
several times.
Why You Should Read:
His novels and his
journalism offer readers an unfiltered perspective into Indonesia under
Sukarno’s rule. They are deeply reflective and represent the demand from many for
literary freedom.
By Katie-may Bridges
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