Sathnam Sanghera Knihy

"Strangely hidden from view, the British Empire remains a subject of both shame and glorification. In his bestselling book, Sathnam Sanghera shows how our imperial past is everywhere: from how we live and think to the foundation of the NHS and even our response to the COVID-19 crisis. At a time of great division, when we are arguing about what it means to be British, Empireland is a groundbreaking revelation - a much-needed and enlightening portrait of contemporary British society, shining a light on everything that usually gets left unsaid."--Publisher's website.

The book explores the lasting impact of the British Empire on 2.6 billion people in former colonies, highlighting its profound influence on culture, law, and societal norms, such as the prevalence of driving on the left. It contrasts Britain’s perception of its imperial history with the realities experienced by those in the colonies, revealing a complex narrative that encompasses the spread of Christianity and the shaping of international law. The discussion invites readers to reconsider the legacy of colonialism and its enduring effects on the modern world.

For the author, growing up in Wolverhampton in the eighties was a confusing business. On the one hand, these were the heady days of George Michael mix-tapes, Dallas on TV and, if he was lucky, the occasional Bounty Bar. This title tells his story.

SHORTLISTED FOR THE COSTA FIRST NOVEL AWARD AND LONGLISTED FOR THE DESMOND ELLIOTT PRIZE To Arjan Banga, who has returned to the Black Country after the unexpected death of his father, his family's corner shop represents everything he has tried to leave behind - a lethargic pace of life, insular rituals and ways of thinking. But when his mother insists on keeping it open, he is dragged back, forced into big decisions about his imminent marriage back in London and thrown into the family betrayals and loyalties, loves and regrets that have played out in the shop over more than fifty years. Taking inspiration from Arnold Bennett's classic novel The Old Wives' Tale, Marriage Material tells the story of a family's three generations through the prism of a Wolverhampton corner shop- a symbol of South Asian independence and integration, but also of darker realities. Told with humour, tenderness and insight, this is a unique and urgent survey of modern Britain by one of the country's most promising young writers, and an ingenious reimagining of a classic work of fiction.