For many years, writers from countries that were once British colonies have been writing the most exciting literature in English, dramatically expanding a canon once dominated by stories about the lives and concerns of the former colonists. Some of them are looking back to tell stories about the brutal process of colonisation itself. Within these formerly colonised countries, too, writers from social groups and regions on the periphery of the mainstream are adding their rich voices to English literature through their novels and poetry. This session explores how literature can confront power and inequality.
The secret lives of Thomas Mann
Colm Toíbín in conversation with Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi
Exploring the fractures of a post-apartheid society
Damon Galgut in conversation with Salil Tripathi
The perilous pursuit of power and prosperity
Pankaj Mishra in conversation with Sonal Shah