Update 22 Feb, 2016: Let me just say that the latest novel, available here, is a book that addresses a



Also known as rebellion books. Of course there are many great non-fiction books looking into this aspect of all people's history, but I'm most interested in novels that cover this subject matter (and hopefully ones that do it well). The first step is providing a definition of rebellion. It could, after all, mean a child rebelling against his parents, or perhaps adulthood with all its travails. That is indeed one of the definitions: : Let me just say that the latest novel, available here, is a book that addresses a more modern aspect of rebellion . So check it out and enjoy it!Also known as rebellion books. Of course there are many great non-fiction books looking into this aspect of all people's history, but I'm most interested inthat cover this subject matter (and hopefully ones that do it well). The first step is providing a definition of rebellion. It could, after all, mean a child rebelling against his parents, or perhaps adulthood with all its travails. That is indeed one of the definitions:





"the action or process of resisting authority, control, or convention."





But I'm more interested in the larger rebellion. The one with life and death consequences:





"an act of violent or open resistance to an established government or ruler."





Fighting against a larger power. Does the fight have to be just? Perhaps not. It can just be a fight, even if it's misled (though some of you further on the left might not agree, the Bolshevik revolution could be viewed as one such rebellion). Does it have to be a fight between groups? A coup, after all, is another form of rebellion (or a significant change in power), though it might merely end up being a single person's power struggle against another's.

It's not entirely clear (and for those who would think it clear, I shall adjust my definition if you can provide a good enough alternative/clarification), but I will put my explanations for each book and why is best represents rebellion.





Not the best definition, but here goes:



Half of a Yellow Sun

Classic status, this novel about the Biafra region's rebellion is done in the Adichie's masterful and subtle manner. Not an easy read, given the tough material, Adichie manages to weave a story with multiple viewpoints that combine to show how this tragedy started, and finished.



Under Western Eyes

People who frequent this blog will no doubt not be surprised that this book is on another list. Easily ofstatus, this novel about the Biafra region's rebellion is done in the Adichie's masterful and subtle manner. Not an easy read, given the tough material, Adichie manages to weave a story with multiple viewpoints that combine to show how this tragedy started, and finished.





The War of the End of the World

Here is Conrad's take on the messy period in Russia that occurred before the Communists took over. Note the man caught in a tight spot, and not really willing to give it up for a movement he cares nothing for, and that may well change the trajectory of his comfortable life. Note the idealistic revolutionary not taken entirely to the life he's leading, and yet all the more willing to throw bombs for his cause. Note his family left in the wake. Note the hypocrisies in the powers that be, but also in the rebels. And all of this done in Conrad's beautiful prose and sharp wit.





Animal Farm

Brilliant. This book might be my favorite one on this list. Perhaps because it's still relevant to some parts of the world, where nations are trying to be formed, or the idea of a nation is still being tested. Even for those of us who live in regions of relative stability, this book has something to say about competing forms of power (religion, nationalists, idealists) and how they interact with people and gain their power from those people and the willingness of those people to do what must be done.





Weep Not, Child

A story of a revolution betrayed. This book best shows how even the best of intentions can lead a rebel astray and come full circle. In other words, to become that which created the rebels to begin with.