

Waiting for the Barbarians
Book • 1980
'Waiting for the Barbarians', by J.M.
Coetzee, explores themes of colonialism, power, and moral responsibility through the eyes of a magistrate in a remote outpost of an unnamed empire.
The magistrate begins to question the empire's brutal treatment of suspected 'barbarians'.
His growing empathy leads to conflict with the authorities.
The novel examines the psychological effects of oppression and the complexities of justice.
Coetzee's stark prose and allegorical narrative challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal structures.
Coetzee, explores themes of colonialism, power, and moral responsibility through the eyes of a magistrate in a remote outpost of an unnamed empire.
The magistrate begins to question the empire's brutal treatment of suspected 'barbarians'.
His growing empathy leads to conflict with the authorities.
The novel examines the psychological effects of oppression and the complexities of justice.
Coetzee's stark prose and allegorical narrative challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths about human nature and societal structures.
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as a work that tries to get at the heart of what we're living through by getting away from the present.


George Packer

George Packer on Liberal Values in Authoritarian Times
Mentioned by 

as a book by J.M. Coetzee that was sympathetic to the native population.


Andrew Gold

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