Coloniality and Migrancy in African Diasporic Literatures

This book explores literary representations of African immigrant experiences in Western countries, highlighting the persistence of colonial stereotypes and anti-immigrant sentiment. It examines how global coloniality shapes the identities and lived experiences of African immigrants and considers the extent to which they can transcend race in their configuration of identity. Five key twenty-first-century African diasporic novels are analyzed, demonstrating that Africans are shunning victimhood and finding alternative ways of navigating and inhabiting the modern world. The book utilizes decoloniality and postcolonial theory as valuable theoretical tools for researchers in various fields.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive book delves into the rich tapestry of literary representations that capture the diverse experiences of African immigrants in Western countries, standing in stark contrast to the pervasive colonial stereotypes and the recent surge of anti-immigrant sentiment across Europe and America. By employing the concept of coloniality of migrancy, the author intricately examines how the legacies of global colonialism continue to shape the identities and lived realities of African immigrants as portrayed in African diasporic literatures. The book raises thought-provoking questions about the enduring presence of racist and discriminatory attitudes and patterns of thought that originated during slavery and colonialism, and explores the extent to which African immigrants can transcend the boundaries of race in constructing their unique identities.

The analysis encompasses a selection of five key twenty-first-century African diasporic novels: Imbolo Mbue's Behold the Dreamers, Dave Eggers' What is the What: The Autobiography of Valentino Achak Deng, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie's Americanah, NoViolet Bulawayo's We Need New Names, and Helon Habila's Travellers. Through a meticulous examination of these works, the book emerges as a powerful testament to the resilience and adaptability of African immigrants as they navigate the complexities of modern society.

What sets this book apart is its commitment to decoloniality and postcolonial theory as valuable analytical tools. By drawing upon these frameworks, the author offers a fresh perspective on the experiences of African immigrants, challenging the traditional narratives that often perpetuate victimhood and marginalization. This book serves as an invaluable resource for researchers across a wide range of disciplines, including African literature, migration studies, sociology, politics, and decolonial studies.

In conclusion, this book is a groundbreaking exploration of the literary representations of African immigrant experiences, offering a nuanced and empathetic understanding of the complexities and challenges faced by these individuals. Through its insightful analysis and innovative approach, it contributes to our collective understanding of the global migration landscape and sheds light on the transformative power of literature in shaping our perceptions and attitudes toward immigrants.

Weight: 500g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032578798