Culture
Books
As well as interviews with fascinating and principled authors, here readers will find sharp and economical reviews from our regular columnists who weigh up the publishing world’s latest releases – in both fiction and non-fiction – giving extra attention to imprints from independent publishers, books in translation and the Global South.
The alternative book review
Peter Whittaker, Jo Lateau and Amy Hall review the latest releases in radical publishing.
Spotlight: Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Novelist Silvia Moreno-Garcia pushes back against the stereotypes associated with Latin American culture. By Graeme Green.
The interview: Isabel Allende
Graeme Green speaks to the Chilean author about her inspiration and the power of fiction as a useful history teacher.
Spotlight: Selma Dabbagh
Writer Selma Dabbagh speaks to Rahila Gupta about reclaiming Arab women’s sexuality.
Ramallah as it is, and as it was
In his new book, Going Home, Palestinian writer Raja Shehadeh laments a breakdown of solidarity. But, writes Kieron Monks, there are glimmers of hope.
The radical book review
Jo Lateu and Peter Whittaker weigh up the latest releases in radical publishing.
Mixed media: books
Peter Whittaker and Vanessa Baird review the latest releases in radical publishing.
Union blacklisting and police infiltration, ten years on
Progress has been slow since the 2009 revelations of workers being blacklisted for union activity, Phil Chamberlain writes.
Mixed media: books
Peter Whittaker and Jo Lateu review the latest selection of non-fiction radical book releases
Monbiot: ‘we need that new political narrative’
The acclaimed journalist talks to Nick Dowson about how to get out of the mess we’re in.
Ghosts
The suicide of a Cuban immigrant to Florida calls up all kinds of phantoms for Anna, herself a migrant from the Czech Republic. By Ana Menéndez.
Fat
A young South Korean‘s attempts to avoid conscription by becoming obese cause uproar in his family. Written by Krys Lee.
What exactly is ‘world fiction’?
Chris Brazier interviews Elleke Boehmer, Professor of World Literature in English at Oxford University.
Benjamin Zephaniah: ‘It is my duty to help and inspire’
Mischa Wilmers talks to the poet turned professor about mentoring, Mandela and making a difference.
Aimé Césaire: a leader of the (cultural) struggle
Philip Crispin celebrates the centenary of the Martinican poet, playwright and politician who showed that Empire ‘writes back.’
Interview with Arundhati Roy
Arundhati Roy speaks out: on the moral police of India's anti-corruption campaign, on the silence surrounding civil wars, and on despotism and democracy.
Mariamma's shame
The girl had done nothing wrong – but her caste and sex meant that she was going to be punished all the same. By Dalit writer Bama.
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Invitation – a poem by Grace Nichols
Invitation1
If my fat
was too much for me
I would have told you
I would have lost a stone
or two
![[image, unknown]](/archive/images/issue/264/images_shim.gif)
