Autofiction and Cultural Memory

Autofiction and Cultural Memory explores how postcolonial writers use autofiction to bear witness to past cultural or political struggles and contribute to new forms of cultural memory. It demonstrates how autofiction can be used to show solidarity with struggles against imperialism and tyranny, combining the life stories of authors with the collective struggles of their societies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 27 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Autofiction and Cultural Memory is a groundbreaking exploration in the realm of autofiction that delves into its profound impact on postcolonial writers, enabling them to bear witness to past cultural or political struggles and thus contribute to the formation of new cultural memories. While much of the discourse surrounding autofiction has focused on its individualistic nature, disregarding its potential for social commitment and alignment with Western notions of ownership and authorship, Hywel Dix presents a compelling alternative perspective. Through a comprehensive analysis of examples from Algeria, Ethiopia, the Caribbean, the Americas, India, and Turkey, Dix showcases how autofiction can be employed by writers outside the Western world to position themselves on the sidelines of their own stories, expressing solidarity with struggles against imperialism and tyranny. By intertwining the life stories of authors with the collective struggles of their societies, autofiction offers a unique form that restores the visibility of historical injustices that have been marginalized and forgotten. This innovative approach raises essential questions about our choices regarding what we choose to remember and what we value in the present.

This book holds immense appeal for scholars and researchers engaged in postcolonial studies, world literature, trauma studies, autobiography, life writing, and social justice. Its insights and revelations shed light on the transformative power of autofiction in shaping cultural memory and challenging our understanding of history and identity. By exploring the intersections of personal narratives, societal challenges, and the quest for justice, Autofiction and Cultural Memory provides a valuable contribution to the field, enriching our understanding of the complexities of postcolonialism and the ongoing struggle for social change.

Weight: 390g
Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032322230