Therefore, in this time of historical erasure and global turmoil, literature indeed has the potential to nourish hope and reclamation. A group of renowned writers and academics have shared their recommendations for books that encourage reflection, resistance, and a deeper understanding of humanity’s struggles. Historian and nonfiction writer Kate Fullagar is one of those lucky stars. Her most recent piece, “Bennelong and Phillip,” explores the lives of Wangal man Bennelong and colonial governor Arthur Phillip. Fullagar mentions the importance of reading literature that challenges us to confront the urgent issues of our time. Ian McEwan’s deeply moving book, “What We Can Know,” serves as a powerful case in point.
Fullagar advocates for works by Australian constitutional law academic Megan Davis, citing her contributions to discussions surrounding Indigenous issues in Australia. Acclaimed authors such as Anna Funder, Bob Brown and Behrouz Boochani have provided their significant endorsements. These remarkable authors showcase stories that critically engage with what it means to rebel, create change, and be human in our world today. Through these selections, the writers aim to foster a sense of connection and understanding amid the challenges faced in today’s world.
Kate Fullagar’s Insights on Literature and History
Kate Fullagar’s latest book, “Bennelong and Phillip,” intricately weaves the narratives of Bennelong, a Wangal man who played a crucial role in early Australian history, and Arthur Phillip, the first governor of New South Wales. The joint biography serves as a great introduction to the complexities of colonial encounters and their detrimental effects on Indigenous communities.
Fullagar thinks that literature is an essential tool for wrestling with present-day questions. She points to Ian McEwan’s “What We Can Know,” in particular. As she puts it, this is just an incredible work that is addressing so many of the most important questions of our time. “Most of the books I read are historical because I think history does repeat itself,” said Fullagar. She is a firm advocate for a knowledge of history as we all work to create a more just world and future.
Fullagar suggests reading pieces by Megan Davis, noting that as a constitutional law expert and UN advocate for Indigenous rights, she has much to offer. As she reflects on Davis’s contributions, Fullagar expresses a sentiment common among many readers: “Whenever I read her being positive or reflective or encouraging about Indigenous issues to the Australian people, I am too ashamed to be furious about our systematic denial of Indigenous sovereignty.”
Voices of Resistance: Recommendations from Fellow Authors
Anna Funder, perhaps the most recognizable name in contemporary Australian literature, raves about the beauty and intricacies of her own novel, “All That I Am.” She, too, recommends Jason Stanley’s How Fascism Works. Funder calls for more literature that does the hard work of engaging with reality as opposed to escapist storylines. She states, “Because they are dealing with what it is to be human and not a fantasy version of that, there is relief in it, even if there is also horror.”
Funder’s perspective personally resonates with so many writers. They know literature has the power to be an escape, but challenge readers to face ugly realities. Southworth’s recommendations take these common, critical issues to the NIMBY-ing extreme and address them directly. They provide readers vital understandings about human nature and the world around us.
Robert Brown, former head of the Sierra Club and veteran environmental activist recommends A Memory of Solferino by Henry Dunant. His own recent book “Defiance” is designed to light a fire of environmental activism in the face of overwhelming ecological disaster. Brown warns about the dire consequences of inaction: “Worst-case scenario is that if we keep knocking down [environmental] tipping points like we did this year then by 2050 there’ll be a 25% collapse in the economy and 2 billion people dead.” By outlining the solutions, Brown hopes to inspire readers to act while there’s still time.
Perspectives from Diverse Authors
Behrouz Boochani, Iranian-Kurdish writer and refugee, brings a singular perspective to these recommendations. He suggests reading his second book “Freedom Only Freedom,” along with “Te Waka Hourua’s Whītiki, Mātike, Whakatika.” Boochani’s literary escapades predominantly tackle the topics of authoritarianism and prevailing over oppressive structures.
He comments on the significance of literature in understanding authoritarian regimes: “It takes us into the depth of an authoritarian regime and how this kind of system works.” His plays illuminate the experiences of anyone who lived or lives in a repressive state. At the same time, they develop empathy in readers.
At the forefront of this literary exchange, Thomas Mayo plays a prominent role. He points to the impact of Kevin Gilbert’s seminal 1973 text, Because A White Man’ll Never Do It. In his public activism, Mayo attributes Gilbert’s work with having a profound influence on his thinking. He reflects on the current state of society: “I’d describe the world as being on the brink right now… there’s never been a more critical time.” He recommends historical context as an indispensable resource for any contemporary struggle.