Natives : Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire - The Sunday Times Bestseller
(Author) Akala*RADIO 4 BOOK OF THE WEEK* SHORTLISTED FOR THE JAMES TAIT BLACK PRIZE | THE JHALAK PRIZE | THE BREAD AND ROSES AWARD & LONGLISTED FOR THE ORWELL PRIZE FOR POLITICAL WRITING 'This is the book I've been waiting for - for years. It's personal, historical, political, and it speaks to where we are now' Benjamin Zephaniah 'I recommend Natives to everyone' Candice Carty-Williams From the first time he was stopped and searched as a child, to the day he realised his mum was white, to his first encounters with racist teachers - race and class have shaped Akala's life and outlook. In this unique book he takes his own experiences and widens them out to look at the social, historical and political factors that have left us where we are today. Covering everything from the police, education and identity to politics, sexual objectification and the far right, Nativesspeaks directly to British denial and squeamishness when it comes to confronting issues of race and class that are at the heart of the legacy of Britain's racialised empire. Natives is the searing modern polemic and Sunday Times bestseller from the BAFTA and MOBO award-winning musician and political commentator, Akala. 'The kind of disruptive, aggressive intellect that a new generation is closely watching' Afua Hirsch, Observer 'Part biography, part polemic, this powerful, wide-ranging study picks apart the British myth of meritocracy' David Olusoga, Guardian 'Inspiring' Madani Younis, Guardian 'Lucid, wide-ranging' John Kerrigan, TLS 'A potent combination of autobiography and political history which holds up a mirror to contemporary Britain' Independent 'Trenchant and highly persuasive' Metro 'A history lesson of the kind you should get in school but don't' Stylist
Akala
Akala, born Kingslee James Daley, is a British rapper, poet, and author known for his powerful and socially conscious lyrics. He has released several albums that blend elements of hip-hop, reggae, and spoken word poetry. Akala is also a respected author, with works such as "The Dark Lady" and "Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire" exploring themes of race, identity, and history.
Akala's writing style is characterized by its mix of personal reflection, historical analysis, and political commentary. He is known for his ability to seamlessly blend these elements to create thought-provoking and engaging narratives. Akala's contributions to literature have been widely praised for their depth and insight into issues of race and social justice.
One of Akala's most famous works is "Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire," which won the 2019 PEN America History Book Prize. This book delves into the complex relationship between race, class, and empire, offering a critical analysis of Britain's colonial past and its impact on contemporary society. Akala's work has had a significant impact on the literary genre, challenging readers to confront uncomfortable truths and rethink their understanding of history and identity.
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