Fugitive Borders - Black Canadian Cross-Border Literature at Mid-Nineteenth Century

Fugitive Borders examines 19th-century autobiographical writing by black authors in North America, challenging slave narrative conventions and offering alternatives to the hegemonic narrative of the white settler nation.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 218 pages
Publication date: 08 December 2021
Publisher: Transcript Verlag

Fugitive Borders delves into a fresh collection of autobiographical writings by black authors in North America during the 19th century. To achieve this,Nele Sawallisch analyzes four distinct texts authored by formerly enslaved men in the 1850s, which were published in or around the historical region of Canada West (now known as Ontario). These texts defy the conventional conventions of the classic slave narrative genre. Instead, they exhibit a remarkable originality in conveying nuanced and often conflicting attitudes toward the so-called Canadian Promised Land. By doing so, they play a crucial role in fostering a sense of textual community among individuals across national boundaries.

In the backdrop of the emerging national discourses preceding Canada's Confederation in 1867, these texts provide alternative perspectives to the dominant narrative of the white settler nation. Through their unique insights and experiences, they contribute to a broader understanding of the complexities and diversity of the African diaspora in North America during this period.

Overall, Fugitive Borders offers a valuable exploration of 19th-century black autobiographical writing, shedding light on the experiences and perspectives of formerly enslaved men in Canada West. It provides a fresh perspective on the historical and cultural landscape of the region and contributes to our understanding of the broader African diaspora in North America.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 226 x 147 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783837645026