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: Paperback / softback
Length: 164 pages
Publication date: 12 March 2023
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 delve into the overlooked women of history, both real and imagined, who bravely accompanied their male counterparts to the New World, playing pivotal roles in its settlement and colonization. While familiar names such as Isabel Allende, Audrey Thomas, and Jane Smiley grace the pages of this book, it also introduces lesser-known writers who have crafted richly textured and meticulously historical narratives. Beyond reclaiming the place of women in history, these authors engage with the rich tapestry of past literature, including the American canon of male fiction that once dominated literary discourse. 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.

Introduction:
Historical fiction has long been a genre that has captivated readers with its ability to transport us to different times and places. While traditionally dominated by male authors, there has been a growing recognition of the contributions of women writers to this field. This collection seeks to showcase the remarkable stories of female adventurers and explorers who have left their mark on history.

The Neglected Women of History:
The novels in this collection introduce us to the forgotten women who accompanied their male counterparts to the New World. These women were not just passive passengers but active participants in the settlement and colonization of the Americas. They faced numerous challenges and obstacles, from navigating unfamiliar terrain to overcoming cultural barriers, but their courage and determination enabled them to make significant contributions to the development of the region.

Familiar Novelists:
While familiar names such as Isabel Allende, Audrey Thomas, and Jane Smiley grace the pages of this collection, it also introduces lesser-known writers who have produced richly textured and densely historical novels. These writers have skillfully woven together historical details and compelling characters to create immersive and engaging stories that shed light on the lives of these forgotten women.

Engaging with the Literature of the Past:
In addition to putting women back into history, these writers engage with the literature of the past, including the American canon of male fiction that dominated literary history before the intervention of feminist scholars. By exploring the ways in which these novels intersect with the male-dominated narrative, they offer new perspectives and insights into the complexities of gender roles and power dynamics.

Theoretical, Historical, and Geographical Context:
The book begins with an introduction to the history of historical fiction, providing a theoretical, historical, and geographical context for the novels themselves. This introduction helps readers understand the genre's evolution and the influences that have shaped it. It also provides valuable insights into the historical and cultural backgrounds of the regions featured in the novels, enabling readers to appreciate the nuances and complexities of the stories more fully.

Conclusion:
This collection of nine groundbreaking historical novels by women from the United States, Canada, and Latin America offers a fresh and compelling perspective on the history of the New World. By highlighting the contributions of these forgotten women, these novels challenge the traditional narratives of history and shed light on the diverse and complex experiences of women throughout history. Whether you are a fan of historical fiction or simply interested in exploring the untold stories of women, this collection is a must-read.

Weight: 238g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030941284
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022