History and Violence in Contemporary Kenyan Fiction: Standpoints on Yvonne Owuor's Writings

This book explores Yvonne Owuor's writings, focusing on her acclaimed novel "Dust," as well as "Dragonfly Sea" and "Weight of Whispers." It examines diverse themes such as violence, genocide, trauma, and flight, problematizing silences and highlighting literary innovations. It is of interest to scholars and advanced students in Literature, Politics, History, and Sociology.

Format: Hardback
Length: 114 pages
Publication date: 26 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating collection of essays delves into the profound and thought-provoking writings of Yvonne Owuor, focusing primarily on her acclaimed novels, Dust, Dragonfly Sea, and the captivating short story "Weight of Whispers." While the chapters within this book explore a diverse range of themes, they all converge upon Owuor's unwavering exploration of various forms of violence that have shaped Kenya's postcolonial experiences, particularly in the realm of power politics and the intricate interplay of regional, ethnic, and gender identities in influencing these dynamics.

Many of the chapters in this book take a critical stance, challenging the violence of genocide, trauma, and flight by highlighting the silences that perpetuate their impact on the victims. These silences serve as a poignant reminder of the inadequate avenues available for the articulation of the profound effects of such violence. In contrast, other chapters delve into the stylistic innovations employed by Owuor to effectively convey the weight of her concerns. Through her meticulous prose and evocative storytelling, Owuor crafts literary works that not only engage the reader's emotions but also shed light on the complexities of human experiences.

This book holds immense appeal to scholars and advanced students of Literature, Politics, History, and Sociology. Its original publication as a special issue of the esteemed journal Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies further underscores its significance in the academic realm. By delving into the rich tapestry of Yvonne Owuor's writings, this collection offers a profound and insightful perspective on the complexities of postcolonialism, gender roles, and the human condition.

Weight: 385g
Dimension: 246 x 174 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032408255