Allegories of Neoliberalism: Contemporary South Asian Fictions, Capital, and Utopia

Allegories of Neoliberalism is a book that examines literary representations of capitalism's "forms of appearance" and offers a re-reading of Karl Marx's Capital through the themes and tropes of literature. It critiques Foucauldian governmentalist interpretations of neoliberalism and provides a historical materialist reading of contemporary South Asian fictions.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Allegories of Neoliberalism is a comprehensive exploration of the multifaceted manifestations of capitalism through the lens of literary representations. It serves as both a critique of Foucauldian governmentalist interpretations of neoliberalism and a historical materialist reading of contemporary South Asian fictions. This insightful book delves into critical discussions on the influential works of renowned authors such as Akhtaruzzaman Elias, Amitav Ghosh, Aravind Adiga, Arundhati Roy, H. M. Naqvi, Mohsin Hamid, Nasreen Jahan, Samrat Upadhyay, and many others from South Asia and the South Asian diaspora. Moreover, it proposes a fresh perspective on Karl Marx's Capital by re-reading it through the themes and tropes of literature, focusing on literary representations of commoditization, monetization, class exploitation, uneven spatial relationships, financialization, and ecological devastation.

The book explores the ways in which these literary representations shed light on the complex dynamics of power, inequality, and social transformation in South Asia and beyond. By examining the ways in which capitalism is portrayed in literature, Allegories of Neoliberalism offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the ongoing struggles against neoliberal policies and practices. It provides a rich and nuanced analysis that challenges traditional interpretations of capitalism and offers new insights into the ways in which it manifests itself in different cultural and historical contexts.

In conclusion, Allegories of Neoliberalism is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of literature, politics, and social change. It offers a thought-provoking and insightful analysis that will deepen our understanding of the complex realities of contemporary capitalism and its impact on societies around the world.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032349848