As far as topics go, politics may be as divisive as they come. Still, there's no escaping the role that it plays in our lives. The texts in this collection explore the gamut of how politics shapes and reshapes societies throughout history.
Publication year 1973
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride, Identity: Masculinity, Society: Colonialism
Tags Heinemann African Writers, Satire, Realistic Fiction, Allegory / Fable / Parable, Class, History: African , Politics / Government, Love / Sexuality, Colonialism / Postcolonialism, Humor, African American Literature, Historical Fiction, Classic Fiction
Xala: A Novel was written by the Senegalese writer and filmmaker Ousmane Sembène. The satirical work was originally published in France in 1974 and released in the United States in 1976. In 1975, it was adapted into a film directed by Sembène. The postcolonial novel deals with the aftermath of Senegal’s formal independence from France on August 20, 1960—two years after the country had become a republic. Senegal celebrates its Independence Day on April 4... Read Xala Summary
Publication year 1991
Genre Novel, Fiction
Themes Values/Ideas: Religion & Spirituality, Natural World: Space & The Universe, Relationships: Family
Tags Science-Fiction / Dystopian Fiction, Fantasy, Politics / Government
Xenocide is the third book in Orson Scott Card’s Ender’s Game saga and is preceded by Ender’s Game and Speaker for the Dead. The series is best classified as dystopian science fiction; Ender’s Game, which has been adapted to film, is the most popular volume. Xenocide is set on two planets. The first, Lusitania, is inhabited by the Pequeninos and the descolada virus that is crucial to their life cycle but deadly to other species;... Read Xenocide Summary
Publication year 2007
Genre Play, Fiction
Themes Identity: Race, Values/Ideas: Equality, Values/Ideas: Art, Society: Immigration
Tags Play: Drama, Play: Comedy / Satire, Auto/Biographical Fiction, Race / Racism, Politics / Government, Education, Education, Asian Literature, Drama / Tragedy, Humor
Publication year 2009
Genre Book, Nonfiction
Themes Identity: Gender
Tags Gender / Feminism, Natural Disaster, September 11 Attacks, Creative Nonfiction, Women's Studies (Nonfiction), Modern Classic Fiction, History: World, Biography, Politics / Government
Zeitoun is a nonfiction narrative recounting the trials and ordeals of the Zeitoun family during Hurricane Katrina and its aftermath. Abdulrahman Zeitoun is a Syrian American who has built a successful business in New Orleans. With his wife, Kathy, an American who converted to Islam as an adult, and their children, Zeitoun feels a strong connection to his adopted city and country. He’s proud to be a builder and to help restore New Orleans in... Read Zeitoun Summary