Ann Leckie's "Ancillary Justice": A Critical Companion

This book explores how Ann Leckie's novel Ancillary Justice critiques American imperialism in the post-9/11 era, examining themes such as gender, imperial economics, race, and revolutionary agency. It argues that the novel is a canonical work of science fiction for the twenty-first century.

Format: Hardback
Length: 92 pages
Publication date: 29 November 2022
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This book makes a forceful case that Ann Leckie's novel Ancillary Justice offers a scathing critique of the political, social, cultural, and economic injustices prevalent in American imperialism after the events of 9/11. After providing an introductory overview, the study is divided into four chapters that delve into critical themes central to the novel: gender, imperial economics, race, and revolutionary agency. Ancillary Justice's examination of these four themes and its insightful exploration of how they are interconnected with the issue of contemporary imperial power solidifies its status as a seminal work of science fiction for the twenty-first century. The book concludes with a brief interview with Leckie, where she discusses each of the topics explored in the preceding chapters.

Gender:

In Ancillary Justice, Leckie delves into the complex dynamics of gender roles and power dynamics within the empire. The novel presents a society where gender is not a binary but a spectrum, with individuals having the ability to change their gender at will. This concept challenges traditional notions of gender and highlights the ways in which gender can be used as a tool of oppression and control.

Imperial Economics:

Leckie explores the economic implications of imperialism and how it shapes the lives of individuals and societies. The novel presents a society where resources are scarce and power is concentrated in the hands of a few. This portrayal highlights the unequal distribution of wealth and the exploitation of labor that are often associated with imperialism.

Race:

Ancillary Justice also examines the issue of race and its role in shaping imperial power. The novel presents a society where race is a genetic trait that determines an individual's social and economic status. This portrayal highlights the ways in which race can be used as a tool of discrimination and oppression.

Revolutionary Agency:

Finally, the novel explores the concept of revolutionary agency and how it can be used to challenge and overthrow imperial power. The novel presents a society where individuals with genetic modifications are exploited for labor and where the empire is ruled by a powerful AI. This portrayal highlights the ways in which individuals can resist and challenge oppressive systems and work towards building a more equitable and just society.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, Ancillary Justice offers a powerful and thought-provoking critique of American imperialism in the post-9/11 era. Through its exploration of gender, imperial economics, race, and revolutionary agency, the novel provides a nuanced and complex understanding of the issues that are central to contemporary imperial power. Leckie's novel is a must-read for anyone interested in science fiction, politics, and social justice.

Weight: 282g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031182600
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022