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Nick Bentley

Contemporary British Fiction

Contemporary British Fiction

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This guide provides a comprehensive survey of the most important debates in the criticism and research of contemporary British fiction, exploring experiments with literary form, the relationship between literature and science, literary geographies, and trauma narratives. It is an invaluable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of English literature, teachers, researchers, and scholars.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 201 pages
Publication date: 19 December 2017
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC


This comprehensive guide offers a thorough exploration of the most significant debates in the criticism and research of contemporary British fiction. Nick Bentley delves into the critical reception surrounding a diverse array of British novelists, including Monica Ali, Martin Amis, Pat Barker, Alan Hollinghurst, Kazuo Ishiguro, Ian McEwan, David Mitchell, Ali Smith, Zadie Smith, Sarah Waters, and Jeanette Winterson. By examining innovative literary experiments, this authoritative text addresses cutting-edge concerns such as the neo-historical novel, the interplay between literature and science, literary geographies, and trauma narratives. Engaging with key literary theories, it identifies prevailing trends and prospects in the literary criticism of contemporary British fiction, making it an invaluable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of English literature, teachers, researchers, and scholars alike.


Introduction:
Contemporary British fiction has witnessed a rich and dynamic literary landscape, marked by a multitude of critical debates and scholarly inquiries. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive survey of the most significant debates in the criticism and research of contemporary British fiction, encompassing a diverse range of novelists and literary movements. By examining these debates, we gain insights into the evolving nature of the genre, the challenges faced by contemporary writers, and the evolving perspectives of critics and scholars.

Criticism Surrounding British Novelists:
Nick Bentley's analysis encompasses a wide range of British novelists, each with their unique style and approach to storytelling. From Monica Ali's exploration of identity and cultural heritage in "Brick Lane" to Martin Amis's satirical commentary on modern society in "Money," Pat Barker's historical fiction depicting the aftermath of World War II in "Regeneration," Alan Hollinghurst's intricate portrayal of queer relationships in "The Line of Beauty," Kazuo Ishiguro's exploration of memory and identity in "Never Let Me Go," Ian McEwan's psychological thrillers like "Atonement," David Mitchell's postmodernist narratives in "Cloud Atlas," Ali Smith's experimental novels like "The Accidental Woman" and "How to Be Both," Zadie Smith's socially conscious commentary in "White Teeth," Sarah Waters's gothic horror tales like "Fingersmith," and Jeanette Winterson's feminist narratives in "Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit," Bentley's study offers a diverse perspective on the critical reception of these novelists.

Experiments with Literary Form:
One of the key debates in the criticism of contemporary British fiction revolves around the exploration of literary form. Novelists have experimented with various forms and techniques to convey their ideas and engage readers in unique ways. From the neo-historical novel, which reimagines historical events and characters, to the relationship between literature and science, which examines the intersection of scientific inquiry and artistic expression, to literary geographies, which explore the spatial and cultural dimensions of literature, and trauma narratives, which examine the impact of trauma on individuals and society, contemporary British fiction has embraced a wide range of literary experiments.

Cutting-Edge Concerns:
These experiments have raised important concerns that have shaped the critical discourse surrounding contemporary British fiction. The neo-historical novel, for instance, has been criticized for its tendency to romanticize the past and ignore the complexities and injustices of historical events. Similarly, the relationship between literature and science has been explored in depth, with some scholars questioning the validity of scientific findings being used as a basis for artistic interpretation. Literary geographies have also been criticized for their Eurocentric bias and lack of representation of diverse cultural perspectives. Trauma narratives, on the other hand, have been praised for their ability to shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities and challenge dominant narratives of trauma.

Engaging with Key Literary Theories:
In order to understand the debates surrounding contemporary British fiction, it is essential to engage with key literary theories. Postmodernism, for instance, has played a significant role in shaping the genre, with its emphasis on fragmentation, irony, and the collapse of traditional narrative structures. Feminism, meanwhile, has challenged traditional gender roles and explored the experiences of women and marginalized communities. Eco-criticism has also emerged as a critical lens through which to examine the environmental implications of literature and society.

Present Trends and Future Directions:
As the field of literary criticism continues to evolve, it is evident that there are present trends and future directions in the study of contemporary British fiction. One notable trend is the increasing recognition of the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, which combine literary analysis with other fields such as history, sociology, and cultural studies. This approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the social and cultural contexts in which contemporary British fiction is produced and consumed. Another trend is the growing interest in the intersection of literature and technology, particularly in the realm of digital literature and the use of new media platforms to disseminate and consume literature.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides a valuable resource for undergraduate and postgraduate students of English literature, teachers, researchers, and scholars interested in the criticism and research of contemporary British fiction. By examining the most significant debates in the field, we gain insights into the evolving nature of the genre, the challenges faced by contemporary writers, and the evolving perspectives of critics and scholars. The study of contemporary British fiction offers a rich and dynamic field for exploration and discovery, and this guide serves as a valuable guide to navigating the complexities and richness of the field.

Weight: 294g
Dimension: 209 x 148 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781137009661
Edition number: 1st ed. 2018

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