A review of the book 'Stolen History: The Truth about the British Empire and How It Shaped Us' written by Sathnam Sanghera.
'Stolen History: The Truth about the British Empire and How It Shaped Us' is an accessible, engaging and essential introduction to the British empire for younger readers, by bestselling author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.
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Coming up: A review of the book 'Stolen History: The Truth about the British Empire and How It Shaped Us' written by Sathnam Sanghera.
Namaste Friends. My name is 'Shinil Subramanian Payamal' and you are listening to the Historylogy podcast.
Before I proceed, a full disclosure: This book was bought with my own money and not been provided to me by the author or publisher.
Little bit about the author:
Sathnam Sanghera was born to Punjabi immigrant parents in Wolverhampton in 1976. He entered the education system unable to speak English but went on to graduate from Christ’s College, Cambridge, with a first-class degree in English Language and Literature. He has been shortlisted for the Costa Book Awards twice, for his memoir The Boy with the Topknot and his novel Marriage Material. Empireland was a Sunday Times bestseller that was longlisted for the Baillie Gifford Prize for Non-Fiction, and won the Nibbies Book of the Year for Non-Fiction: Narrative in 2022. He lives in London.
Let me read a brief description of the book:
QUOTE
How can we make the world a kinder, better place for the future if we don’t know the truth about the past?
You've probably heard the word 'empire' before. Perhaps because of the Roman empire. Or maybe even the Star Wars films.
But what about the British Empire? Why don't we learn much about this? And what even is an empire, anyway?
This book will answer all the important questions about Britain's imperial history. It will explore how Britain's empire once made it the most powerful nation on earth, and how it still affects our lives in many ways today - from the words we use, to the food we eat, the sports we play and even to every grown-up's fixation with a good cup of tea.
An accessible, engaging and essential introduction to the British empire for younger readers, by bestselling author of Empireland, Sathnam Sanghera.
UNQUOTE
Though this book is (primarily) aimed at readers aged 9 and above, it is insightful for all ages. It is a concise, engaging, and accessible exploration of the British Empire’s complex legacy and its enduring impact on contemporary society. As a follow-up to his acclaimed Empireland (which I reviewed on 24th of May, 2025), this book distills the sprawling history of British imperialism into a digestible narrative.
The book shines in its ability to unpack weighty topics—colonialism, slavery, cultural erasure, and economic exploitation—without overwhelming its (targeted) audience.
Sanghera uses relatable analogies, such as comparing the British Empire to a “giant corporation,” to make abstract concepts tangible. He covers key historical moments, from the East India Company’s rise to the transatlantic slave trade and the partition of India, while highlighting lesser-known stories, like the contributions of colonial subjects during World War I. This approach makes the book both educational and eye-opening, particularly for readers new to the subject.
Sanghera’s tone is conversational yet unflinching, acknowledging the Empire’s achievements—like infrastructure and global trade—while confronting its darker realities, such as systemic racism and looting of cultural artifacts.
The inclusion of primary sources, like letters and historical quotes, grounds the narrative in evidence, while thoughtful discussion prompts readers to question how history shapes identity and modern society.
However, since the book is designed for younger readers—the book’s brevity occasionally limits its depth. Some complex events, like the Bengal Famine, receive cursory treatment, which may leave curious readers wanting more.
Conclusion:
In Stolen History, Sathnam Sanghera successfully presents a complex historical narrative in an engaging and thought-provoking manner. It is a commendable addition to educational literature, ideal for teens, educators, or anyone seeking a clear-eyed primer on how the past informs the present, offering the tools to understand and reflect upon the multifaceted legacy of the British Empire.
I give this book 4.25/5.
The book is available in Paperback, Kindle and Audible formats. I have given the respective buy links in the show notes. Please check them out for the latest prices.
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