Description
“In a Free State” is a novel written by V. S. Naipaul, published in 1971. It’s one of Naipaul’s most celebrated works, winning the Booker Prize in 1971.
The novel is structured as a collection of three loosely connected narratives, each exploring themes of displacement, identity, and the human condition. The stories are set against the backdrop of post-colonial Africa, during a time of political upheaval and social change.
The first story, “One Out of Many,” follows an Indian servant who accompanies his employer to Washington, D.C., only to find himself abandoned and struggling to survive in a foreign land.
The second story, “Tell Me Who to Kill,” takes place in an unnamed African country on the brink of revolution. It follows the journey of Bobby, a young black man, and Linda, a white woman, as they embark on a dangerous road trip across the country.
The third story, “In a Free State,” is the titular story and serves as a framing device for the collection. It follows an unnamed narrator as he travels through an unnamed African country, witnessing the chaos and violence of post-colonial society.
Through these interconnected narratives, Naipaul explores themes of colonialism, race, power, and the human capacity for cruelty and compassion. “In a Free State” is praised for its insightful portrayal of the complexities of post-colonial life and its powerful commentary on the universal struggle for freedom and belonging.
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