From Post-Yugoslavia to Female Continent - Feminist Reading of Post-Yugoslav Literature

This book explores feminist writing from the former Yugoslavia, highlighting the past, cultural itineraries, and dissolution of socialist Yugoslavia through gender, body, sexuality, and social and cultural hierarchies. It analyzes different feminist writings and imagines possible futures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

This comprehensive study delves into the rich tapestry of contemporary literature from the former Yugoslavia, encompassing the Post-Yugoslav era. By exploring the profound feminist writings that shed light on gender, body, sexuality, and social and cultural hierarchies, the book uncovers the intricate history, cultural journeys, and tragic dissolution of socialist Yugoslavia during the Yugoslav wars. Through a meticulous analysis, it also delves into the unique characteristics of various feminist writings, showcasing their imaginative visions of possible futures.

The title of the book serves as both a lens for interpreting post-Yugoslav literature as feminist writing and a catalyst for conceptualizing a distinct post-Yugoslav literary field. This field is represented by the vibrant contemporary fiction emerging from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Serbia, each contributing their own distinctive perspectives and narratives to the rich tapestry of post-Yugoslav literature.

The study unfolds in a series of interconnected chapters, each dedicated to exploring different facets of feminist writing in the region. The authors examine the ways in which feminist writers have challenged traditional gender roles, explored the complexities of body politics, and challenged patriarchal structures. They also analyze the role of sexuality in shaping feminist narratives and the ways in which feminist writers have reimagined cultural hierarchies and power dynamics.

One of the key themes that emerge from the study is the complex relationship between history, memory, and literature. The authors argue that feminist writing in the post-Yugoslav context is deeply rooted in the legacy of socialist Yugoslavia and its socialist ideals. However, they also recognize the challenges posed by the dissolution of the country and the subsequent wars that have fragmented the region. Feminist writers, therefore, navigate a delicate balance between honoring the past and envisioning a more inclusive and equitable future.

Another notable aspect of the study is the emphasis on the role of women in shaping post-Yugoslav society. The authors highlight the resilience and strength of women who have faced numerous obstacles and challenges throughout the country's history. They also explore the ways in which women have used literature as a means of empowerment and resistance, challenging patriarchal norms and advocating for gender equality.

Through their insightful analysis, the authors shed light on the transformative power of feminist writing in the post-Yugoslav context. They demonstrate how feminist narratives can challenge dominant ideologies, promote social change, and foster a deeper understanding of the complex social and political dynamics of the region. The study serves as a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies, offering a fresh perspective on the rich literary heritage of the former Yugoslavia.

In conclusion, this comprehensive study of contemporary literature from the former Yugoslavia provides a rich and nuanced exploration of the ways in which feminist writing has shaped the past, present, and future of the region. By delving into the complex interplay between gender, body, sexuality, and social and cultural hierarchies, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of post-Yugoslav society and its literary legacy.

Weight: 444g
Dimension: 148 x 224 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837652093