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Imperialism and Identity in ‘Heart of Darkness’
The word “ivory” rang in the air, was whispered, was sighed. You would think they were praying to it. This has been my second reading of Joseph Conrad‘s arguably most-famous classic. The first time, I was mesmerized by it without quite knowing why. Closer, more careful reading has given me a few more hints as… Continue reading
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Mackinder’s Heartland Theory
Who rules East Europe, commands the HeartlandWho rules the Heartland, commands the World IslandWho rules the World Island, commands the World Though they may be deemed outdated now, Sir Halford Mackinder‘s Heartland Theory and his writings on geopolitics offer some fascinating–and still relevant–pieces of wisdom on the relations between geography, history, and foreign policy. My… Continue reading
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Fathers and Sons
Arkady Kirsanov, recent graduate of the University of St Petersburg, comes home to visit his father Nikolai and uncle Pavel at the Kirsanov estate in the country. Nikolai is anxious to give his son a warm welcome, even if it means putting up with Arkady’s new friend, the arrogant Yevgeny Bazarov. Bazarov has abandoned social… Continue reading
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The Mystery of Cloomber
General Heatherstone is not an unfriendly person, really. He’s just very, very nervous. So nervous, in fact, that he has converted his new home, Cloomber Hall, into a fortress and keeps his family as veritable prisoners behind its walls. His neighbor John Fothergill West has taken an interest in the Heatherstones, and John soon finds… Continue reading
About Me
Hi, I’m Marian—I talk about classics, history, and other books on this blog, as well as on YouTube.
Currently Reading
Recent Posts
- What I’m Reading – Morning Coffee Edition
- Oddly Specific Things I Love in Books (and a Few Movies)
- The Tenant of Wildfell Hall – A Long Overdue Review
- My Favorite Films and Music of 2025
- Ten Books I’d Like to Read (and Possibly Own)
Classics Considered 