Coming of Age in the Afro-Latin American Novel: Blackness, Religion, Immigration

The coming-of-age novel in the Spanish-speaking Caribbean and Brazil has been transformed by contemporary Afro-Latin American novelists to address key aspects of the diaspora, such as slavery, race, religion, immigration, and the return journey. This study by Bonnie Wasserman explores works by eight major writers and sheds light on how descendants of Africans have experienced life in the New World.

Format: Hardback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 03 May 2022
Publisher: Boydell & Brewer Ltd

The coming-of-age novel, a centuries-old European genre, has undergone a remarkable transformation by contemporary Afro-Latin American writers. These novelists have adapted the genre to address the unique aspects of the diaspora in various Caribbean and Latin American nations. While there has been a growing interest in Afro-Hispanic and Afro-Brazilian literature, the Afro-Latin American Bildungsroman, which explores the educational journey of young individuals, has received limited critical attention. This study by Bonnie Wasserman is a valuable contribution to the field, as it focuses specifically on novels from both Spanish- and Brazilian-speaking regions.

The memory and enduring impact of slavery play a central role in these coming-of-age stories. They are often intertwined with issues of race, particularly the significance of African folk religions and traditions in the lives of young people. Immigration and the return journey are also significant themes in these novels, reflecting the experiences of individuals and communities as they navigate new environments.

The coming-of-age in the Afro-Latin American novel explores the works of eight prominent Afro-Latin American writers. These writers include Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa and Mayra Santos-Febres from Puerto Rico, Conceição Evaristo and Paulo Lins from Brazil, Teresa Cardenas and Pedro Pérez Sarduy from Cuba, and Junot Diaz and Rita Indiana from the Dominican Republic. Wasserman's comprehensive analysis is both rigorous and compassionate, shedding light on the ways in which descendants of Africans have experienced life in the New World.

Through her analysis, Wasserman highlights the diverse perspectives and experiences of Afro-Latin American characters. She explores themes such as identity, cultural heritage, and the challenges of belonging in a multicultural society. The novels also delve into the complexities of race relations, gender roles, and social hierarch.

One of the notable features of these novels is their use of magical realism. This literary style allows the authors to blend realism with fantasy, creating a unique and immersive narrative experience. It enables the characters to confront their struggles and challenges in a symbolic and metaphorical manner, providing a deeper understanding of their experiences.

Another important aspect of these novels is their exploration of the intersectionality of race, gender, and class. The characters often navigate multiple identities and experiences, reflecting the complex and multifaceted nature of the African diaspora. They confront the challenges of being both black and Latinx, or both African and Caribbean, and struggle to find their place in a world that often marginalizes and oppresses them.

The coming-of-age in the Afro-Latin American novel also sheds light on the historical context of the African diaspora. The novels often draw on the experiences of enslaved people and their descendants, highlighting the ongoing struggles for justice and equality. They also provide a critical analysis of the colonial legacy and its impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, the coming-of-age in the Afro-Latin American novel is a rich and complex genre that offers a unique perspective on the experiences of the African diaspora. These novels explore themes of identity, cultural heritage, race relations, gender roles, and social justice, providing a valuable contribution to the field of Afro-Latin American literature. Through their use of magical realism and intersectionality, these novels offer a powerful and immersive narrative experience that challenges readers to think critically about the world around them.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781648250286