Cambridge Companion to British Fiction: 1980-2018

The British novel has played a significant role in shaping the cultural landscape of our time, particularly in the wake of the EU referendum of 2016. This collection brings together some of the most penetrating critics to explore the role that the British novel has had in this process.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 332 pages
Publication date: 27 June 2019
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

From 1980 to the present, tremendous transformations have occurred in every aspect of British cultural life. The election of Margaret Thatcher in 1979 ushered in a new neoliberal era in politics and economics that dramatically reshaped the British landscape. Alongside this political shift, we have witnessed transformations to the public sphere brought about by the arrival of the internet and social media, as well as changes in the global balance of power brought about by 9/11, the emergence of China and India as superpowers, and, most recently, the British vote to leave the European Union. British fiction of the period is intricately intertwined with these historical shifts. This collection brings together some of the most insightful critics of the contemporary to explore the role that the British novel has played in shaping the cultural landscape of our time, at a moment, in the wake of the EU referendum of 2016, when the question of what it means to be British has become newly urgent.

The arrival of the internet and social media has had a profound impact on the public sphere in Britain. These technologies have facilitated the spread of information, enabled people to connect with others from different backgrounds, and created new opportunities for political activism and social change. However, they have also led to concerns about privacy, censorship, and the spread of misinformation.

The global balance of power has also undergone significant changes since 1980. The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 led to the emergence of the United States as the sole superpower, while China and India have also become economic and political giants. This has led to increased competition between countries and the emergence of new geopolitical tensions.

The British vote to leave the European Union in 2016 was a significant event that had a profound impact on British cultural life. The decision to leave the EU has led to debates about the country's identity, its relationship with Europe, and its place in the world. It has also led to changes in the political landscape, with the emergence of new political parties and movements that prioritize national sovereignty and control over immigration.

British fiction of the period has been influenced by these historical shifts in various ways. Novels have explored the impact of technology on society, the changing nature of political power, and the challenges of globalization. They have also reflected the changing attitudes towards gender, race, and sexuality in Britain.

One of the most notable examples of British fiction that has been influenced by these historical shifts is J.K. Rowling's Harry Potter series. The books, which were first published in 1997, were set in a magical world that was influenced by British culture and history. However, as the series progressed, it became increasingly political and reflective of the changing attitudes towards gender, race, and sexuality in Britain.

Another example is Zadie Smith's White Teeth, which was published in 2000. The novel explores the experiences of a group of young people growing up in London in the early 2000s, and it is particularly interested in the impact of globalization on British culture. The book is also notable for its exploration of race and ethnicity, and its critique of the political and economic systems that perpetuate inequality.

In conclusion, the historical shifts that have occurred in Britain since 1980 have had a profound impact on British cultural life. The election of Margaret Thatcher, the arrival of the internet and social media, the global balance of power, and the British vote to leave the European Union have all shaped the cultural landscape in different ways. British fiction of the period has been influenced by these changes in various ways, and it continues to be a powerful tool for exploring and reflecting on the challenges and opportunities of our time.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 207 x 156 x 19 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108704922