Discover books similar to "Gangrene: Black Venus"

Gangrene: Black Venus cover

Jef Geeraerts

Gangrene: Black Venus

3.38

Part of "Gangreen" series

"Gangrene: Black Venus" by Jef Geeraerts is a powerful and provocative novel that explores the darker side of human nature and colonialism. The book, originally published in Dutch in 1981, is a sequel to Geeraerts' earlier work "Black Venus," and follows the story of a white Belgian man, Jean Dever, who becomes embroiled in the world of sex and crime in the Congo during the 1950s. The novel is set against the backdrop of the end of colonial rule in the Congo, and the chaos and violence that ensued. Dever is a man who is both attracted to and repulsed by the darkness that he finds in the Congo. He is drawn to the power and wealth that colonialism offers, but is also repelled by the brutality and corruption that he witnesses. The novel is written in a stark and unflinching style, with Geeraerts pulling no punches in his depiction of the violence and depravity that Dever encounters. The prose is vivid and visceral, with the author creating a sense of place that is both alluring and menacing. One of the key themes of the novel is the corrupting influence of power and the ways in which it can warp and distort an individual's sense of morality. Dever is a man who is consumed by his desire for power and control, and he is willing to do whatever it takes to maintain his position. This leads him down a dark path, and the reader is left to question whether he is truly a victim of his circumstances or if he is ultimately responsible for his own downfall. Another theme that the novel explores is the legacy of colonialism and the impact that it has on both the colonizers and the colonized. Geeraerts does not shy away from the brutality and exploitation that were inherent in the colonial project, and he shows how this legacy continues to shape the lives of those who were involved. In conclusion, "Gangrene: Black Venus" is a powerful and thought-provoking novel that offers a stark and unflinching look at the darker side of human nature and colonialism. Geeraerts' vivid prose and uncompromising vision make for a compelling and challenging read, and the novel is sure to leave a lasting impression on those who dare to delve into its pages...

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