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: Hardback
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 explore the complexities of contemporary society. One of the key approaches 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 fictional representations of real-life individuals or events to explore social and political themes. Another technique is the use of irony, which is often employed to subvert expectations and challenge power structures. For instance, a character may be presented as a hero or a victim, only to reveal later that they are actually complicit in the oppressive systems they are fighting against.

Postmodern realist fiction also often explores the relationship between identity and power. Writers may use characters who are marginalized or oppressed to explore the ways in which their identities shape their experiences and interactions with the world. For example, a character who is a woman of color may face discrimination and marginalization in both personal and professional settings, and their experiences may be used to highlight the broader issues of gender and race inequality.

In addition to addressing social and political issues, postmodern realist fiction also seeks to capture the subjective experiences of individuals. Writers may use first-person narration or multiple perspectives to give readers a deeper understanding of the characters' thoughts, feelings, and motivations. This approach allows readers to connect with the characters on a personal level and to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of their experiences.

Postmodern realist fiction is a genre that is constantly evolving and adapting to the changing social and political landscape. As such, it is home to a wide range of voices and styles, from experimental and avant-garde to more traditional narrative forms. Some of the most notable contemporary writers in the genre include Margaret Atwood, Chimamanda Ngozi Adiche, and Sherman Alexie, who have each made significant contributions to the field.

In conclusion, postmodern realist fiction is a genre that employs innovative literary techniques to intervene in the real social conditions of our contemporary world. By challenging traditional notions of realism and exploring the complexities of contemporary experience, it seeks to capture the intricate and fragmented nature of modern life while addressing pressing issues such as income inequality, immigration, climate crisis, terrorism, and the rise of new forms of authoritarianism. Through the use of metafiction, irony, and the exploration of identity and power, postmodern realist fiction offers readers a deeper understanding of the world and the individuals who inhabit it.

Weight: 592g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350010819