Can books change a national narrative?

Books have the power to change a country’s narrative, though the process is complex and can take time. Stories, whether fiction, non-fiction, or historical accounts: help shape the cultural, social, and political fabric of a society. They influence the way people think, the values they hold, and the way they view their own history and identity.

Here’s how books can influence a country’s narrative:

1. Providing a New Normal

Books can introduce new ideas and perspectives that challenge dominant ideologies challenging the status quo. In times of oppression, authors can be agents of change by critiquing social, political, and economic systems, and by advocating for reform. For instance, literature like George Orwell's, ‘1984’ or Harriet Beecher Stowe’s ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ shifted public opinion about totalitarianism and slavery, respectively.

“The Interesting Narrative of the Life of O. Equiano, or G. Vassa, the African, was published in London in 1789 and was the first published account of the life of a slave from the perspective of the slave. All notions of saving negros from Africa’s savagery, the solace of Christianity and the betterment of life during slavery was debunked in his book and it became a valuable reference for the abolition of slavery.

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson (1962) brought attention to the dangers of pesticides and their impact on the environment, particularly on birds. Carson challenged the status quo by questioning the unchecked use of chemicals in agriculture, and her book led to the environmental movement of the 1960s and 1970s. While ‘The Feminine Mystique’ by Betty Friedan (1963), challenged the societal ideal that a woman’s place was in the home, raising questions about the dissatisfaction of housewives in 1950s and 1960s America. The book played a critical role in sparking the second wave of feminism, which sought gender equality in both the home and the workplace, and it changed the narrative around women’s roles in society.

2. Creating Empathy and Awareness

Books that highlight the experiences of marginalized or oppressed groups can broaden the understanding of the public. This can shift national conversations around issues like racism, inequality, and social justice. Works like ‘The Diary of Anne Frank’ or Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s ‘Americanah’ give readers a deeper understanding of the human experiences behind political and historical events, potentially reshaping societal values and attitudes.

‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ by Harper Lee (1960) has long been considered an essential text for discussions on racial inequality in America. Set in the racially segregated South during the 1930s, this classic novel explores the moral growth of young Scout Finch as she witnesses the trial of an innocent Black man, Tom Robinson who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. The book encourages readers to empathize with marginalized communities and challenges entrenched racist attitudes.

"I Am Malala" by Malala Yousafzai (2013), tells the story of Malala Yousafzai, a Pakistani girl who was shot by the Taliban for advocating for girls' education. This memoir offers readers a firsthand account of the struggles of young girls in conflict zones and the importance of education in the face of political and religious oppression.

3. Rewriting History

Historical narratives are often shaped by those in power. However, books - particularly works of historical fiction or memoirs - can offer alternative views of history, bringing light to forgotten or suppressed stories or telling history from the perspective of the oppressed. For example, ‘The History of the Russian Revolution’ by Leon Trotsky presented a view of the Bolshevik Revolution that challenged official Soviet narratives.

‘The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian’ by Sherman Alexie (2007), is a semi-autobiographical novel that follows Junior, a young Native American boy who leaves his impoverished reservation school to attend a predominantly white school in a nearby town. Through humour and painful honesty, the book explores the challenges of navigating between two worlds while confronting the legacy of colonialism and systemic racism. It fosters empathy for the struggles of contemporary Native Americans and sheds light on issues of poverty, identity, and resilience from the perspective of the native American.

It is important for all sides of history to have their say and with books this becomes possible. It is sometimes this fear that regulates banned books. Books are banned or challenged for a variety of reasons, often linked to political, cultural, religious, or social concerns. For example, George Orwell's 1984 and Animal Farm are often banned or censored in countries with totalitarian governments because they criticize authoritarianism and totalitarian control. Nevertheless, books must continue to be written especially those that speak the truth of the oppressed.

4. Inspiring Social Movements

Books can serve as blueprints for social movements by providing new ways of thinking about justice, equality, and freedom. They can inspire activism, form the foundation of collective identity, and mobilize people for political change. For instance, books like ‘The Communist Manifesto’ by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels or ‘The Feminine Mystique’ by Betty Friedan played pivotal roles in sparking large-scale social movements.

‘The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair (1906), exposed the horrific conditions in the meatpacking industry in Chicago, including unsanitary working conditions, exploitation of immigrant workers, and the dangers to public health. While Sinclair’s primary goal was to expose the plight of workers under capitalism, the public outcry that followed the book's publication led to significant reforms, including the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act in 1906. It helped galvanize the Progressive Era reforms and the labour movement into what it is today.

In addition, in ‘The Freedom to Learn’ by psychologist Carl Rogers (1969) he argues for a learner-centered approach to education, emphasizing the importance of emotional intelligence, self-direction, and the teacher-student relationship. Rogers’ ideas helped to shape the progressive education movement, which advocates for a more inclusive, humane, and flexible education system that recognizes the individuality and autonomy of students. His ideas also laid the foundation for the concept of democratic education and participatory learning worldwide.

5. Influencing National Identity

Literature can help forge or redefine a country’s sense of identity, especially in post-colonial contexts. Authors may explore what it means to belong to a particular nation or culture, creating narratives that resonate with both personal and collective experiences. Works like Gabriel García Márquez’s ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ or Wole Soyinka’s ‘A Man Died’ explore national and cultural identities, often intertwining personal stories with larger political questions.

Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe (1958) is widely regarded as the most important African novel in the English language. Achebe’s portrayal of pre-colonial Igbo society and the devastating effects of British colonialism on indigenous cultures resonates deeply with Nigeria’s national identity. The novel challenges the portrayal of African societies as primitive and helps reclaim African history, literature, and traditions in the face of colonial exploitation. Its influence extends beyond Nigeria, shaping a broader African renaissance and identity.

The iconic Australian poem ‘My Country’ (1908) is deeply embedded in the country’s sense of identity, celebrating the vast, diverse landscapes of Australia. Lines such as "I love a sunburnt country" evoke a sense of patriotism and a deep connection to the land. The poem has been an anthem for Australians, expressing pride in their natural environment and national character. Although a play John B. Keane’s The Wind That Shakes the Barley profoundly shaped Irish national identity by dramatizing the Irish struggle for independence and highlighting the deep emotional and cultural connection to Ireland's rural, agrarian past. Keane’s work helped reframe the Irish nationalist narrative, providing a reflection on the costs of independence and the emotional ties to Ireland’s fight for self-determination.

These works of authors cement the passion and pride for a nation and the love of its people.

6. Shaping Political Thought

Plato's The Republic is one of the foundational texts of Western political philosophy. In this work, Plato examines the nature of justice, the ideal state, and the role of the philosopher-king. His concept of the "philosopher-king" has influenced debates on leadership, governance, and the nature of a just society. The idea of a structured society governed by wisdom and knowledge, rather than by wealth or birth, has inspired thinkers and political leaders throughout history.

Philosophical and political writings have long played a role in shaping national policies and ideologies. Works like John Locke’s ‘Two Treatises of Government’ or Thomas Paine’s ‘Common Sense’ helped define political thought in Europe and the Americas, contributing to the development of democracy and individual rights.

In the Caribbean, Eric Eustace Williams a Trinidadian politician, historian, and the first Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago book “Capitalism and Slavery” (1944), argued that the profits from slavery and the slave trade were integral to the development of capitalism in Europe. The book contested the traditional story line that the abolition of slavery was primarily driven by humanitarian concerns. Instead, Williams proved that economic factors, such as the decline in profitability of the slave trade and the rise of industrial capitalism, played a significant role in the abolition movement and many slave owners were quick to accept recompense from the government for their losses in exchange for the abolition of slavery. A business decision that left the enslaved who built the foundation for modern capitalism with nothing. This book remained an important addition to understanding the true economic underpinnings of slavery and shaped the narrative of Caribbean independence.

7. Creating Dialogue and Reflection

Books can encourage national reflection by creating space for dialogue. National crises or turning points often provoke a reassessment of the country’s values and goals, and books can be a medium for that discussion. For example, ‘A People’s History of the United States’ by Howard Zinn has prompted Americans to question the traditional narratives of their country’s founding and development.

The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank (1947) has become one of the most important works for understanding the human costs of the Holocaust and the dangers of prejudice, discrimination, and totalitarianism. Anne Frank’s poignant account of her life in hiding during Nazi occupation sparked profound national and global reflection on the Holocaust and its devastating impact on the Jewish people and other persecuted groups. In the Netherlands, the book inspired not just reflection on the country’s wartime experiences but has also prompted conversations on the importance of tolerance, human rights, and the responsibility to resist hate. It continues to be a key text in national education and remembrance, encouraging dialogue about the lessons of history and the importance of protecting democracy.

The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot (2010) tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, an African American woman whose cells were taken without her consent in the 1950s and used for scientific research that led to numerous medical breakthroughs. The book shines a spotlight on the exploitation of Black people in medical research, the lack of informed consent, and the racial disparities in healthcare. It sparked a national conversation in the U.S. about medical ethics, the history of racism in the scientific community, and the ongoing issues of racial injustice in healthcare. The book's broad impact has contributed to policy changes, greater attention to the rights of patients, and a re-evaluation of how marginalized communities have been treated in the medical field.

Nelson Mandela’s autobiography Long Walk to Freedom (1994) offers an intimate portrait of his life, his fight against apartheid, and his commitment to peace and reconciliation. The book played a critical role in South Africa's post-apartheid transition by helping to foster dialogue about the painful legacy of racial segregation and the need for national healing. Mandela’s focus on forgiveness, unity, and the struggle for justice resonated deeply within South Africa, providing a framework for moving beyond racial divisions and embracing a more inclusive national identity. Long Walk to Freedom continues to be a powerful tool in South Africa’s ongoing journey toward reconciliation and nation-building, inspiring dialogue about justice, equality, and the importance of mutual understanding.

Books that create national dialogue and reflection often spark deep conversations about a nation's values, history, and future. These works can challenge prevailing narratives, confront uncomfortable truths, and encourage citizens to think critically about their society and its direction.

8. Connecting Global and Local Narratives

Books, more so authors can also create bridges between local and global narratives, influencing how a country interacts with the world. By telling stories of global struggles, solidarity, and interconnectedness, books can influence how a society perceives its role on the world stage. This is especially true in post-colonial literature and global fiction, where authors tackle questions of imperialism, globalization, and identity in complex ways.

Real-World examples include

- The Russian Revolution: The works of authors like Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Lenin helped to shape the ideological currents that led to the Russian Revolution and its aftermath. These books circled the globe, and this impact fostered the change they spoke of.

- American Civil Rights Movement: The writings of authors like James Baldwin, Maya Angelou, and Malcolm X were instrumental in not just shaping the narrative of racial justice in America but also in other post-colonial societies globally. ?

- Apartheid and Post-Apartheid South Africa: The writings of authors like Nelson Mandela, Nadine Gordimer, and J.M. Coetzee helped bring global attention to the struggles within South Africa and contributed to the national narrative of reconciliation.

These books and authors have not only shaped national narratives but also provided frameworks for addressing systemic inequalities and fostering social cohesion.

Conclusion

Changing a country’s narrative through books doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a slow, cumulative process in which stories, arguments, and viewpoints gradually reshape public discourse. Often, the most lasting change happens when books inspire readers to act, to think differently, and to challenge long-held beliefs.

This often comes with opposition, as change seems to be the last resort. Many times, books are banned, find international acclaim and then because of the international spotlight on the issue, the nation is forced to addressed concerns to remain compliant with United Nations standards or politicians react to pressures from their constituents. Change is a long road, and many times does not occur within the lifetime of the author, however change has always started with a pen. An author is a humanitarian, an advocate for change, and a catalyst for revolution.

In summary, books have a powerful capacity to influence a nation's story, shaping how people perceive their past, understand their present, and imagine their future. Writers, through their words, can challenge dominant ideologies, advocate for justice, and provide the tools for collective transformation.