Raleigh Host Countries
Below is a list of recommended books and films on Costa Rica and Nicaragua, India and Borneo. If you there's any you'd like to add to the list, email ambassadors@raleigh.org.uk
India
Midnight's Children
Salman Rushdie
"Learn about Indian politics through a tremendous work of fiction that you'll think about for a long time afterwards" Teresa Fitzgerald, Head of Fundraising
A Passage to India
E.M Forster
Set in India at the time of the Raj, it explores the differences between Eastern and Western society and its people. It's a gripping read and a 20th century literature masterpiece. Can read with post-colonial theory if you're into that kind of thing.
Shantaram
Gregory David Roberts
"An epic true story which is based in Bombay"
Amy Roberton, Expedition Support Coordinator
A Suitable Boy
Vikram Seth
"A really colourful soap opera of a book. Set in post-partition India it covers politics, independence of women, religion and more. It is very accessible and extremely fantastic"
Teresa Fitzgerald, Head of Fundraising
The God of Small Things
Arundhati Roy
Beautiful literature set in Kerala, with politics of caste system woven through the storyline.
Holy Cow
Sarah McDonald
"An honest account of life from the eyes of a young Australian reporter on a quest to find her zen. Funny yet insightful, it helps the reader to understand the challenges and joys of life here"
Anna Tate, Expedition Manager for India
Slumdog Millionaire
Directed by Danny Boyle
"Wonderful entertainment, with just a small insight into the challenges faced by millions of people just to survive in a mad and wonderfully chaotic country that is India"
Rupert Miller, Airbus Programme Director
Costa Rica and Nicaragua
The Ticos: Culture and social change in Costa Rica
Richard Mavis and Karen Biesanz
Excellent book examining the development of Costa Rica's culture and institutions.
The Jaguar Smile: A Nicaraguan Journey
Salman Rushdie
Taking Care of Sibo's gifts
Paula Palmer
El Camino (the Path)
This film follows the travels of two young Nicaraguan children who set out to Costa Rica in search of their mother. Contains beautiful imagery of the region's landscape.
Carla's Song
Directed by Ken Loach
Carla's Song tells the story of the relationship between George, a free-spirited Scottish bus driver and Carla, a Nicaraguan refugee who is adrift in Glasgow.
