53 pages • 1 hour read
The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable
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Book Brief
176
Book • Nonfiction
Multiple Locations • Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Great Derangement, Amitav Ghosh critiques modern literature's failure to address climate change, exploring how cultural narratives and consumerism contribute to the crisis. He examines historical and contemporary connections between empire, industrialization, and environmental degradation, calling for a shift in literary and cultural approaches to inspire global action against the climate crisis.
Informative
Contemplative
Mysterious
Challenging
Melancholic
Reviews & Readership
6,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Amitav Ghosh's The Great Derangement explores climate change through literature, history, and politics. Critics praise its urgent, interdisciplinary approach and eloquent prose. However, some find its arguments occasionally disorganized or repetitive. Overall, it’s a thought-provoking work that challenges readers to reconsider humanity’s relationship with nature.
Who Should Read The Great Derangement?
Readers who enjoy The Great Derangement by Amitav Ghosh are typically drawn to works that explore climate change, environmental issues, and socio-political commentary. They appreciate books like Naomi Klein's This Changes Everything and Elizabeth Kolbert's The Sixth Extinction for their in-depth analysis and compelling narrative on ecological crises.
6,419 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Pope Francis
Pope Francis
The 266th Pope of the Roman Catholic Church, known for his dedication to social justice and environmental issues. Ghosh discusses his encyclical Laudato Si’, highlighting its significance in addressing climate change.
Bruno Latour
Bruno Latour
A French philosopher and sociologist whose theories, such as actor-network theory, challenge traditional views of modernism. Ghosh uses his work to argue the challenges modernity presents in depicting climate change.
Henry Piddington
Henry Piddington
A British meteorologist credited with coining the term "cyclone" and contributing significantly to the understanding of weather patterns in the Indian Ocean. Ghosh references his early warnings about climate risks.
176
Book • Nonfiction
Multiple Locations • Contemporary
2016
Adult
18+ years
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