Green Unpleasant Land: Creative Responses to Rural England's Colonial Connections

Green Unpleasant Land explores the hidden history of rural England's connections to transatlantic enslavement and the East India Company, revealing the colonial links of country houses, moorlands, woodlands, village pubs, and graveyards. It also explores the connections between rural poverty and colonial figures, such as plantation owners and East India Company nabobs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2020
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

Green Unpleasant Land, a captivating work of literature, has been chosen as an Observer Best Book of 2021. Written by Bernardine Evaristo, this profound exploration delves into the hidden history of rural England's connections to transatlantic enslavement and the East India Company. Through a blend of essays, poems, and stories, Green Unpleasant Land meticulously uncovers the colonial ties that permeated country houses, moorlands, woodlands, village pubs, and graveyards. It also delves into the intricate connections between rural poverty, particularly the effects of enclosure, and prominent figures of the colonial era, such as plantation owners and East India Company nabobs. Author Fowler, herself descended from a family of slave owners, makes a compelling argument that Britain's cultural and economic legacy extends far beyond chinoiserie, statues, monuments, galleries, warehouses, and stately homes. Rather, it is a shared history, with Britons' ancestors either benefiting from the empire or facing its hardships.

In response to recent advancements in British imperial history, contemporary authors have taken a bold step by reshaping the pastoral writing genre. Green Unpleasant Land emerges as a testament to this transformative endeavor, challenging the deeply entrenched association between the countryside and Englishness. Through its insightful narratives and thought-provoking analysis, the book offers a fresh perspective on the past, shedding light on the complex and often overlooked connections between rural life, empire, and cultural identity.

Green Unpleasant Land is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of British history, culture, and society. It is a testament to the power of literature to challenge our assumptions, broaden our horizons, and inspire us to confront the complexities of our shared past.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 31 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845234829