Andrea Gunraj’s non-fiction debut explores ‘undertold’ legacy of indentured labour
Andrea Gunraj's debut non-fiction book, 'Go-Between Girl,' explores the legacy of indentured labor through personal and historical lenses. She examines the experiences of her ancestors, who were among the 1.6 million Indian laborers brought to British colonies under exploitative contracts. Gunraj challenges the narrative that equates indentured labor with slavery, highlighting the complexities of choice and identity in both historical and modern contexts.
- ▪Andrea Gunraj's book blends memoir, historical critique, and cultural analysis.
- ▪She argues that indentured labor was not simply a replacement for slavery, as there was an element of choice involved.
- ▪Gunraj connects the historical experiences of indentured workers to modern immigration systems and the pressures faced by model minorities.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
ShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountOpen this photo in gallery:SuppliedTitle: Go-Between Girl: My Indentured Roots as Reclaimed PresentAuthor: Andrea GunrajGenre: Non-fictionPublisher: McClelland & StewartPages: 312 As a child, author Andrea Gunraj knew little about how her ancestors arrived from India to present-day Guyana. The sole story she heard made her shy away from that painful history: two young boys in India lured onto a boat, landing in what was then British Guiana, never to return home again. Gunraj’s ancestors were among the 1.6 million Indian indentured labourers who entered exploitative contracts with the British between 1834 and 1917.
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Globe and Mail.
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