21st Century US Historical Fiction: Contemporary Responses to the Past

This book explores important US historical fiction published since 2000, including works by established writers and first-time novelists. It examines key themes such as war, race, sexuality, trauma, and childhood, and interrogates notions of genre and periodization.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 275 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating new collection delves into a rich tapestry of significant US historical fiction, showcasing works published since the turn of the millennium. It explores the captivating realms of historical novels crafted by renowned American authors, including Philip Roth, Joyce Carol Oates, E.L. Doctorow, Chang-rae Lee, James McBride, Susan Choi, and George Saunders. The book also features insightful chapters dedicated to emerging novelists, adding depth and diversity to its narrative. Within its pages, individual essays delve into the forefront of contemporary responses to the past, examining prominent and thought-provoking novels such as the recent Pulitzer Prize-winning masterpieces by Anthony Doerr, Viet Thanh Nguyen, and Colson Whitehead. These essays engage in profound explorations of themes such as war, race, sexuality, trauma, and childhood, while also delving into notions of genre and periodization. Moreover, scholars from the United States, Canada, Britain, and Ireland come together to analyze an emerging canon of contemporary historical fiction, authored by an ethnically diverse range of prominent American writers. This comprehensive examination sheds light on the rich and evolving landscape of historical fiction, offering valuable insights and perspectives to readers and scholars alike.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030418991
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020