Adventurous Women in Contemporary American Historical Fiction: Girls' Own Stories

This book brings together nine groundbreaking historical novels by women from the United States, Canada, and Latin America, focusing on female adventurers and introducing neglected women of history who accompanied their menfolk to the New World. The novels engage with the literature of the past and provide a theoretical, historical, and geographical context for the stories.

Format: Hardback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2022
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This remarkable collection brings together nine groundbreaking historical novels by women from the United States, Canada, and Latin America, all united by their captivating focus on female adventurers. These novels not only shed light on the overlooked women of history, both real and imagined, who accompanied their male counterparts to the New World and played pivotal roles in its settlement and colonization, but also introduce lesser-known writers who have crafted richly textured and meticulously historical narratives. While familiar names such as Isabel Allende, Audrey Thomas, and Jane Smiley grace the pages of this book, it also showcases the talents of less familiar authors who have emerged with works that are equally compelling and historically rich.

Moreover, these writers engage with the rich tapestry of past literature, including the American canon of male fiction that once dominated literary history before the intervention of feminist scholars. The book begins with an insightful introduction to the history of historical fiction, providing a theoretical, historical, and geographical framework that enhances our understanding and appreciation of the novels within.

By bringing women back into the historical narrative and engaging with the literature of the past, these writers not only challenge traditional gender roles but also contribute to a more inclusive and diverse understanding of our collective heritage. This collection is a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring impact of women's contributions to the world of literature.

Weight: 367g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030941253
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022