My title—“Thought Crimes and Other Themes in Commonwealth Literature”—has an ominous sound, as if (to echo George Orwell again) our only hope in the era of climate change is to keep the aspidistra flying for a bit longer. Let me put such fears to rest immediately by declaring that I have a more constructive end in view. I will argue that some recent works of fiction by Commonwealth writers contain insights that not only illuminate our understanding of human rights and responsibilities but also enhance our capacity to speak of such matters. I hasten to add that I am holding…