Part 4/9:
As the journey takes flight and the countries pass by in alphabetical order, Emma introduces the books she has read from each nation, beginning with Albania. Her choice, "The Palace of Dreams" by Ismail Kadare, offers a dystopian perspective centered around the oppressive examination of citizens' dreams by the government, showcasing deep psychological and bureaucratic elements that resonate unsettlingly with contemporary audiences.
Next, she lands in Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting Jamaica Kincaid's "A Small Place," an evocative essay about the impacts of tourism on her homeland. Emma shares a poignant excerpt that reveals Kincaid's emotional grappling with her identity and her critique of colonial narratives, illustrating how literature can convey personal and political complexities.