How Does 'The Storm We Made' Explore Colonialism?

'The Storm We Made' dives deep into the psychological and cultural scars left by colonialism, showing how it reshapes identities and societies. The novel follows multiple generations caught in the aftermath of colonial rule, illustrating how the past lingers in everyday life. Characters struggle with internalized oppression, mimicking the colonizer's culture while feeling alienated from their own. The story reveals how colonialism isn't just about political control but also about the erosion of language, traditions, and self-worth. The younger generation grapples with inherited trauma, unsure whether to reject or reconcile with the colonial legacy. What stands out is how the author portrays resistance—not just through grand rebellions but through small, personal acts of defiance that keep cultural memory alive.

The economic exploitation under colonialism is another key theme. The novel depicts how resources were extracted, leaving communities impoverished and dependent. Even after independence, the characters face systems designed by the colonizers, perpetuating inequality. The education system, for instance, becomes a tool for maintaining colonial hierarchies, teaching locals to see their own history through the lens of the oppressor. The storm in the title symbolizes both the destructive force of colonialism and the turbulent process of decolonization. Through vivid storytelling, the book makes it clear that the effects of colonialism don't end when the colonizers leave; they echo through time, shaping futures in unpredictable ways.

I love how 'The Storm We Made' unpacks colonialism through intimate family dynamics. The protagonist's grandmother still cooks traditional dishes forbidden during colonial times, a quiet act of resistance. The younger generation, raised in a post-colonial world, dismisses these customs as outdated, showing the generational divide colonialism creates. The novel doesn't villainize the colonizers as much as it exposes the systems they built—systems that outlasted them. Schools teach colonial history while omitting local heroes, streets bear foreign names, and economic policies favor former colonizers' businesses. The book's brilliance lies in showing how colonialism invades the mundane: how people speak, what they aspire to, even how they love. The storm isn't just historical; it's the ongoing struggle to reclaim identity.