Contemporary European Crime Fiction: Representing History and Politics

This book explores contemporary crime fiction as a European phenomenon, examining its relationship with history, politics, and social inequalities. It offers insights into how crime fiction reflects and responds to contemporary political issues and the complexities of European identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 295 pages
Publication date: 21 April 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This groundbreaking book offers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary crime fiction as a European phenomenon, delving into its multifaceted nature as a transmedia practice. By examining crime fiction across various European countries and as a truly transcontinental endeavor, the author argues that the genre's distinctiveness lies in its interconnected historical and political inquiries. It questions how the genre's excavation of Europe's history of violence and protest in the twentieth century is informed by contemporary political concerns. Additionally, it explores how crime fiction's progressive reimagining of new identities at the intersections of ethnicity, gender, and sexuality is offset by its more pessimistic assessment of the corrosive effects of entrenched social inequalities, political corruption, and state violence. The result is a rich and vibrant collection that showcases the immense potential of crime fiction to shed light on the complex interplay between Europe's past, present, and future.

The book is organized into seven chapters, each providing valuable insights into the world of contemporary crime fiction. The first chapter provides an introduction to the genre, defining it as a form of literature that combines elements of crime, mystery, and suspense to explore societal issues and challenge societal norms. The second chapter explores the historical roots of crime fiction in Europe, tracing its development from the early twentieth century to the present day. The third chapter examines the genre's relationship with politics, exploring how it has been used to comment on and critique political systems and ideologies. The fourth chapter explores the genre's representation of gender, sexuality, and race, highlighting how it has challenged traditional notions of identity and representation. The fifth chapter examines the genre's use of technology, exploring how it has been used to enhance storytelling and create new forms of surveillance and detection. The sixth chapter explores the genre's relationship with popular culture, examining how it has been adapted into film, television, and other media forms. The seventh chapter examines the future of crime fiction in Europe, considering how it will continue to evolve and adapt to changing societal and cultural norms.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary crime fiction, European literature, or the intersection of history, politics, and popular culture. It offers unique insights into the genre's development and significance, providing a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies.

Weight: 534g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031219788
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023