ImoReads… ‘Civilisations’ (2021) by Laurent Binet, translated by Sam Taylor

“Paul again: ‘Faith comes by hearing.’ But faith in the Sun is not taught. All one must do is look up.” 

I would describe Civilisations as the ultimate counterfactual historical romp, full of wit and bold ideas. Though Binet has turned history on its head here, it highlights more than ever the truth about Europe’s painfully slow progress towards cultural and religious tolerance.

Civilisations takes place over several eras, starting with the brave Vikings of Vinland who move south to Central America around the year 1,000. We then deal with the ‘what ifs’ of Columbus’ famed expedition to the Americas in 1492; alas, in Binet’s world, he does not succeed in his mission. All this paves the way for Atahualpa, co-ruler of the Inca empire to set off across the ‘ocean sea’ from Cuba, where he has been driven due to civil war. In 1531, Atahualpa arrives in Lisbon accompanied by Cuban princess Higuénamota, 181 other Incas, 37 horses and 1 ceremonial puma. This company manages to change the course of European history with startling ease, as the ‘nailed god’ of Christianity comes face to face with the Temple of the Sun.

The Incas take to many European customs quickly, such as red wine, but are confused and horrified at the events of Inquisition taking place in Toledo in the 1530s. Atahualpa and co watch on as Jews, Muslims, heretics, witches and other non-conformers are burned at the stake. In retaliation they massacre the Christians and find their nailed god to be ‘no help at all’. 

To the Incas, anyone is welcome in the religion of the Sun, and anyone may practice any religion they like as long as the Sun takes precedence, which immediately gains them support and converts from marginalised groups. In our real history, Cortèz and Pizarro made impressive conquests with unlikely odds, and this is exactly what Atahualpa does here. Soon he is Regent of Spain and on his way to becoming Holy Roman Emperor, to the horror of figures like Thomas More. Paired with trade back across the ocean sea for Inca silver and gold, Seville becomes the axis of Europe under Atahualpa’s watch. 

Binet uses an Enlightenment-style critique of Europe from afar, emphasised by the counterfactual nature of the story, to show us the absurdity of the lack of freedom in Europe at this time. The wit and literary pastiches in Civilisations make for a thought-provoking, plausible and knowing novel, and I for one enjoyed reading about the impact of the Incas in Europe – even Henry VIII converts to the religion of the Sun. Unfortunately in reality Atahualpa was captured and executed during the Spanish conquest, but I’m glad that he got to have his day, albeit fictionally, in Civilisations. 

Happy reading,

Imo x