Bloomsbury Introduction to Postmodern Realist Fiction: Resisting Master Narratives

Postmodern realist fiction is a literary genre that uses realism-disrupting techniques to address critical issues of our time, such as income inequality, immigration, the climate crisis, terrorism, and the rise of authoritarianism. It covers over forty writers from diverse backgrounds and spans several decades, with a special focus on 21st-century novels.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 April 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Postmodern realist fiction is a genre that employs innovative literary techniques to intervene in the real social conditions of our contemporary world. Its primary objective is to capture the intricate and fragmented nature of modern experience, while also addressing pressing issues such as income inequality, immigration, climate crisis, terrorism, rapidly evolving technologies, shifting racial, sexual, and gender roles, and the emergence of new forms of authoritarianism. This book serves as a comprehensive introduction to the genre, encompassing a diverse range of voices and spanning several decades. It delves into the works of over forty writers from various backgrounds, with a particular focus on 21st-century novels. The authors covered in this book include renowned figures such as Kathy Acker, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, Julia Alvarez, Sherman Alexie, Gloria Anzaldua, Margaret Atwood, Toni Cade Bambara, A.S. Byatt, Octavia Butler, Angela Carter, Ana Castillo, Don DeLillo, Junot Diaz, Jennifer Egan, Awaeki Emezi, Mohsin Hamid, Jessica Hagedorn, Maxine Hong Kingston, Ursula K. Le Guin, Daisy Johnson, Bharati Mukherjee, Toni Morrison, Vladimir Nabokov, Tommy Orange, Ruth Ozeki, Ishmael Reed, Eden Robinson, Salman Rushdie, Jean Rhys, Leslie Marmon Silko, Art Spiegelman, Kurt Vonnegut, and Jeannette Winterson, among many others.

Postmodern realist fiction employs a range of literary techniques to challenge traditional notions of realism and disrupt the status quo. One of the key strategies is the use of metafiction, which involves incorporating fictional elements into the narrative to comment on real-world issues. For example, authors may use characters who are aware of their status as fictional constructs or who engage in self-reflexive dialogue to explore the boundaries between reality and fiction. Another technique is the use of multiple narratives, which allows authors to explore different perspectives and experiences within a single story. This can be particularly effective in capturing the complexity and diversity of contemporary society, as different characters may have vastly different viewpoints on the same events or issues.

Furthermore, postmodern realist fiction often incorporates elements of fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism to explore the boundaries between reality and imagination. This can be used to comment on social and political issues in a more abstract and symbolic way, allowing readers to engage with complex ideas in a more accessible and imaginative manner.

In addition to these literary techniques, postmodern realist fiction also seeks to address social and political issues that are often overlooked or marginalized in traditional literature. For example, authors may explore the experiences of marginalized communities, such as immigrants, people of color, or LGBTQ+ individuals, to shed light on their struggles and challenges. They may also use the genre to critique dominant ideologies and power structures, such as capitalism, patriarchy, or colonialism, and to advocate for social change.

One of the defining features of postmodern realist fiction is its commitment to exploring the complexities and contradictions of contemporary experience. Authors often challenge traditional notions of morality, ethics, and justice, and instead offer nuanced and complex perspectives on the world. This can be particularly challenging for readers, as it requires them to engage with complex ideas and to consider multiple perspectives on the same issue.

However, postmodern realist fiction can also be a powerful tool for promoting empathy and understanding between different communities. By exploring the experiences and perspectives of marginalized individuals and communities, authors can help break down barriers and promote greater social cohesion. This can be particularly important in today's increasingly polarized and divided world, where it is essential to cultivate empathy and understanding in order to build a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, postmodern realist fiction is a genre that employs innovative literary techniques to intervene in the real social conditions of our contemporary world. Its primary objective is to capture the intricate and fragmented nature of modern experience, while also addressing pressing issues such as income inequality, immigration, climate crisis, terrorism, rapidly evolving technologies, shifting racial, sexual, and gender roles, and the emergence of new forms of authoritarianism. Through the use of metafiction, multiple narratives, fantasy, science fiction, and magical realism, postmodern realist fiction seeks to challenge traditional notions of realism and explore the boundaries between reality and imagination. It also seeks to address social and political issues that are often overlooked or marginalized in traditional literature, promoting empathy and understanding between different communities. While postmodern realist fiction may be challenging for readers, it can also be a powerful tool for promoting social change and building a more inclusive and equitable society.

Weight: 442g
Dimension: 156 x 234 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350010802