Exploring Colonialism and Human Emotion in Deepa Anappara's *The Last of Earth*

Deepa Anappara's second novel, *The Last of Earth*, delves into the complexities of colonial exploration in mid-19th-century Tibet, intertwining the personal journeys of its protagonists with broader themes of human emotion and the impermanence of existence. The narrative follows Balram, an Indian schoolteacher and surveyor-spy, and Katherine, a woman of part Indian heritage, as they navigate the treacherous terrain of Tibet in pursuit of their respective ambitions.

The Guardian

Balram serves as a guide to an English captain, who is determined to chart the revered river Tsangpo and uncover its meeting point with the sea. Katherine, on the other hand, aims to become the first European woman to reach Lhasa and witness the Potala Palace, motivated by her exclusion from the Royal Geographical Society in London. Their paths converge in a landscape marked by natural beauty and peril, where they confront not only physical challenges but also the emotional burdens of their quests.

The Guardian

Anappara's narrative critiques the colonial mindset, illustrating how the ambitions of European explorers often come at the expense of local communities and landscapes. The text reflects on the hubris and obsession that drive these characters, as well as the guilt and grief that accompany their journeys. Balram's reflections on the lives lost in the name of colonial surveys highlight the erasure of native voices from historical narratives. The novel suggests that history is not a static record but a living entity, shaped by the perspectives and experiences of those who inhabit it.

The Guardian

The novel has been praised for its intricate research and immersive storytelling. Critics note that Anappara's work invites readers to reconsider the narratives surrounding colonial exploration, emphasizing that history is often a construct influenced by the dominant voices of the time. The author’s ability to weave personal and historical threads together has been recognized as a significant achievement in contemporary literature.

The Guardian

• “It’s in the nature of white men to believe they own the world, that no door should be shut to them.” — Deepa Anappara, *The Last of Earth*

The Guardian

• “The lines the captain drew on paper appeared to Balram to be no more than a child’s scribbles on mud.” — Deepa Anappara, *The Last of Earth*

The Guardian

• “Late in the novel, Balram says that “the river wasn’t a blue spiral on a map but a living thing, a creature capable of renewal.” — Deepa Anappara, *The Last of Earth*

The Guardian

*The Last of Earth* serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of history and the human experience. Anappara's exploration of colonialism, coupled with her focus on the emotional landscapes of her characters, offers a nuanced perspective on the past. The novel encourages readers to reflect on the legacies of exploration and the stories that remain untold.

The Guardian