Forms of Exile in Jewish Literature and Thought: Twentieth-Century Central Europe and American Migration

The book explores the concept of exile on many levels, from the literal to the metaphorical, and combines analyses of predominantly Jewish authors of Central Europe of the twentieth century. It follows the typical routes that exiled writers took, from East to West and often as far as America, and emphasizes the forms of inner exile. Bronislava Volková, an exile herself, develops a unique typology of exile that will enrich the field of intellectual and literary history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 100 pages
Publication date: 29 July 2021
Publisher: Academic Studies Press

Forms of Exile in Jewish Literature and Thought delves into the multifaceted concept of exile, encompassing both its literal and metaphorical dimensions. This captivating book brings together a diverse array of predominantly Jewish authors from Central Europe of the twentieth century, who are often overlooked in literary studies. These authors include renowned figures such as Kafka, Kraus, Levi, Lustig, Wiesel, and Frankl. The book follows the traditional paths taken by exiled writers, traversing from East to West and, in some cases, even venturing as far as America. By examining exile from various perspectives, it sheds light on its profound implications and emphasizes the significance of inner exile. Bronislava Volková, herself a victim of exile, brings a personal and profound understanding to the subject, making Forms of Exile an invaluable contribution to the field of intellectual and literary history of twentieth-century Europe and America.

Introduction:
Exile has been a recurring theme in Jewish literature and thought throughout history, reflecting the experiences of the Jewish people and their struggles against oppression and persecution. Forms of Exile in Jewish Literature and Thought explores this theme in depth, examining the various forms of exile experienced by Jewish authors and their impact on their writing.

Literary Exile:
The book begins by exploring the literary exile of Jewish authors from Central Europe in the twentieth century. These authors were forced to leave their homes and communities due to political, social, and economic pressures, and many of them found refuge in Western Europe, the United States, and Israel. The literary exile of these authors was marked by a sense of dislocation, loss, and longing for their native land.

Inner Exile:
One of the most significant aspects of Forms of Exile in Jewish Literature and Thought is its exploration of inner exile. Inner exile refers to the psychological and emotional toll that exile takes on an individual, often resulting in feelings of isolation, depression, and a sense of loss of identity. The book examines how Jewish authors have dealt with inner exile in their writing, using their experiences as a means of exploring the complexities of human emotions and the search for meaning in the face of adversity.

Metaphysical Exile:
In addition to literary and inner exile, Forms of Exile in Jewish Literature and Thought also explores the metaphysical dimensions of exile. The book argues that exile can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition, representing the struggles and challenges that we all face in our lives. By examining the metaphysical aspects of exile, the book offers insights into the universal human experience and the resilience of the human spirit.

Conclusion:
Forms of Exile in Jewish Literature and Thought is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh perspective on the concept of exile. By bringing together a diverse array of authors and exploring exile from various angles, the book provides a rich and nuanced understanding of the human experience and the power of literature to transcend boundaries and connect people across time and space.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781644694053