Book Review: The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis by Amitav Ghosh (2021)

The Nutmeg’s Curse offers a sweeping critique of colonialism, environmental destruction, and the Anthropocene. Anchored in the 1621 Dutch massacre of the Bandanese people to control the nutmeg trade, Ghosh weaves a narrative connecting imperial exploitation, ecological devastation, and modern crises on Planet Earth. The work is a compelling and multi-dimensional exploration of the contemporary climate crisis, rooted in a historical analysis of Western colonialism and its exploitative relationship with natural resources. Through the lens of the nutmeg—a spice emblematic of conquest—Ghosh constructs a narrative that weaves together history, geopolitics, environmental philosophy, and cultural critique. This review evaluates thebook through two central themes, namely (1) the role of storytelling in communicating climate issues to be more accessible and resonant, and (2) the significance of addressing historical injustice in contemporary climate diplomacy.

Ghosh’s narrative strategy is one of the book’s most striking features. By framing the nutmeg as both a tangible historical commodity and a metaphorical tool, Ghosh humanizes the often abstract and impersonal discourse surrounding climate change. This approach not only fosters accessibility but also imbues the narrative with emotional resonance. The evocative description of the nutmeg—“a planetary microcosm” with concentric layers mirroring Earth’s strata (Ch. 1 “A Lamp Falls”, p. 10)—highlights the interconnectedness of natural and human histories, a theme that recurs throughout the book.

The Banda Islands massacre serves as a focal point for Ghosh’s critique of extractive capitalism. The Dutch East India Company, Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie/VOC’s violent conquest of the islands, detailed vividly in Ch. 2 “Burn Everywhere Their Dwellings,” exemplifies how colonial exploitation devastated both ecosystems and human communities. Ghosh’s historical analysis underscores the parallels between colonial resource extraction and contemporary environmental crises, particularly in post-colonial Global South countries where the legacies of imperialism persist.

Through the parable of the nutmeg, Ghosh achieves two critical objectives, especially for readers in post-colonial contexts. First, he enhances accessibility by grounding abstract climate issues in vivid historical narratives that resonate with the lived experiences of those historically subjected to colonial exploitation. For instance, his account of the Bandanese people’s displacement and genocide mirrors contemporary instances of climate-induced migration and displacement. By connecting these events, Ghosh allows readers to see the systemic nature of environmental crises as extensions of historical injustice (Ch. 3, “The Fruits of the Nutmeg Have Died”). Second, the book fosters resonance by transforming the nutmeg from a mere commodity into a symbol of systemic exploitation. Ghosh’s critique of the Dutch colonial enterprise, which sought to turn the Banda Islands into a monocultural nutmeg factory, invites readers to reflect on current global supply chains that perpetuate similar patterns of environmental and social harm. The emotional framing of the nutmeg’s story—as a blessing turned curse—creates an affective connection often absent in scientific reports or policy briefs.

The evocative description of the nutmeg—from its origins on the volcanic Banda Islands to its layered physical structure—imbues the narrative with a sense of wonder. Ghosh portrays the nutmeg as a planetary microcosm, its concentric layers mirroring the Earth’s own geological and atmospheric strata. This metaphor reinforces the interconnectedness of natural and human histories, a recurring theme throughout the book.

Ghosh’s integration of non-human agency into the narrative further challenges anthropocentric worldviews. By portraying the nutmeg tree, forests, and volcanoes as active participants in history rather than passive backdrops, Ghosh aligns his narrative with Indigenous storytelling traditions that emphasize the interconnectedness of all life forms. This perspective resonates strongly in Ch. 5 “We Shall All Be Gone Shortly,” where he critiques the mechanistic view of nature that has long underpinned Western thought. By doing so, he invites readers to rethink their relationship with the natural world as one of coexistence rather than domination.

While Ghosh’s storytelling excels in fostering awareness and empathy, it also reveals limitations when it comes to practical implications for climate action. For instance, while the parable of the nutmeg effectively critiques colonialism and its legacies, it offers limited direction on dismantling these entrenched systems. Policymakers, diplomats, and activists may find Ghosh’s narrative inspiring but insufficient as a roadmap for action. This tension is evident in Ch. 14 “The Divine Angel of Discontent,” where Ghosh’s analysis leans more toward philosophical critique than actionable solutions.

Another cornerstone of Ghosh’s argument is his emphasis on historical injustice as a foundational element of the contemporary climate crisis. He argues convincingly that the exploitation of people and the environment under colonial regimes has created structural inequalities that persist in global climate governance. This perspective aligns closely with current debates on equity, loss and damage, and the Global North’s responsibility to the Global South. Ghosh’s historical framing, particularly in Ch. 13 “War by Another Name,” strengthens the case for reparative justice by drawing direct parallels between colonial resource extraction and today’s climate inequities. The disproportionate burden borne by the Global South, despite contributing minimally to climate change, underscores the urgency of addressing these historical inequities.

However, Ghosh’s critique also exposes the limitations of current climate diplomacy frameworks. International agreements like the Paris Agreement often prioritize future-oriented solutions, such as emissions reductions and technological innovation, while neglecting the historical dimensions of climate injustice. Ghosh’s insistence on confronting these histories challenges readers to envision more inclusive and reparative frameworks. Yet, as Ch. 18 “A Vitalist Politics,” suggests, translating such critiques into actionable policies remains a significant challenge and offered solutions often remain abstract or aspirational.

Another strong point by Ghosh is his insistence on viewing climate diplomacy through the lens of power dynamics. Ghosh critiques the dominance of Western nations in shaping global climate policies, often to the detriment of the Global South. For example, he discusses how international financial institutions and trade policies perpetuate systems of exploitation, making it difficult for developing countries to pursue sustainable development paths. Ghosh’s exploration of Indigenous worldviews also provides a valuable counterpoint to Western models of climate governance. By emphasizing relational and animist perspectives, he advocates for a more inclusive and holistic approach to climate diplomacy. Indigenous communities often view the natural world as a network of relationships rather than a collection of resources, a philosophy that could inform more equitable and sustainable policies.

The Nutmeg’s Curse is a thought-provoking and eloquent exploration of the intertwined histories of colonialism and environmental degradation. Its strengths lie in its interdisciplinary depth and ability to connect past and present ecological crises. However, the book’s strengths also reveal its limitations. While Ghosh’s storytelling fosters awareness and empathy, it offers limited practical guidance for policymakers. Similarly, his critique of historical injustice is incisive but leaves questions about how these injustices can be effectively addressed within existing diplomatic frameworks. Despite its limitations, the bookis a vital contribution to discussions on the Anthropocene, imperialism, and global ecological justice. Its interdisciplinary depth and ability to connect past and present crises make it an essential read for those seeking a reflective, historical perspective on contemporary challenges. For readers in the post-colonial Global South, Ghosh’s narrative offers a poignant reminder of the enduring legacies of colonialism and their relevance to today’s climate struggles.

Prominent voices in climate discourse have lauded Ghosh’s work for its originality and depth. Naomi Klein, author of This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate, praises The Nutmeg’s Curse for its ability to “reanimate” climate discussions through mythology, etymology, and cosmology. Meanwhile, Naomi Oreskes, author of Science on a Mission and Merchants of Doubt: How a Handful of Scientists Obscured the Truth on Issues from Tobacco Smoke to Global Warming, commends the book for moving beyond scientific and economic analyses to explore history, politics, and culture. Both reviewers highlight Ghosh’s insistence on confronting the “world-devouring logics” of empire and genocide as essential to understanding and addressing the climate crisis.

Ultimately, the book’s greatest strength lies in its ability to challenge readers to reconsider their relationship with the natural world and recognize the deep historical roots of our current crises. For policymakers and climate diplomats, it serves as both a source of inspiration and a call to action, urging us to integrate storytelling and historical awareness into the pursuit of a more equitable and sustainable future.