Maternal Fictions: Writing the Mother in Indian Women’s Fiction

This book explores the complexities of motherhood in Indian women's fiction across different geographical, linguistic, class, and caste contexts, examining maternal ambivalence, agency, and relationships, as well as non-biological motherhood. It seeks to understand the literary implications of these issues and compare them to dominant Western feminist discourses. The book offers a rigorous examination of the prosody and politics of motherhood in this corpus.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 152 pages
Publication date: 29 January 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a groundbreaking feminist literary analysis of motherhood as presented in selected Indian womens fictions across a diverse range of geographical, linguistic, class, and caste contexts. It sits at the intersection of motherhood studies and literary studies, offering a rigorous examination of the prosody and politics of motherhood within this corpus. Spanning five thematically focused chapters, the book delves deep into key concerns such as maternal ambivalence, maternal agency and caste, mother-daughter relationships, motherhood and diaspora, and non-biological motherhood. Through a comprehensive analysis, it seeks to understand the literary implications of these issues and identify how fiction writers reconceive of motherhood and maternal identities from multiple perspectives.

Additionally, it raises a crucial question: Do these Indian women writers offer readers different understandings of motherhood compared to dominant Western feminist discourses?

Maternal Fictions emerges as a groundbreaking contribution to feminist literary criticism, specifically in the realm of Indian womens writing, and more broadly in the domains of motherhood and literature. It serves as a valuable entry point into a rich tapestry of ideas surrounding motherhood, encompassing a fictional universe that is simultaneously ambivalent, diverse, contingent, rooted in a specific location, and well-positioned to engage with discourses from other times and places.

By undertaking a rigorous analysis of the prosody and politics of motherhood within this corpus, the book pioneers feminist literary criticism in the specific context of Indian womens writing. It sheds light on the complexities and nuances of maternal experiences, challenging traditional narratives and providing fresh perspectives on motherhood and maternal identities. Through its thematic exploration, Maternal Fictions offers a comprehensive examination of various aspects of motherhood, including maternal ambivalence, maternal agency, caste, mother-daughter relationships, motherhood and diaspora, and non-biological motherhood.

Furthermore, the book raises important questions about the role of literature in shaping our understanding of motherhood. It explores whether these Indian women writers offer readers different perspectives on motherhood compared to dominant Western feminist discourses. By examining the literary ramifications of these issues, Maternal Fictions contributes to the ongoing dialogue about motherhood and maternal identities, challenging assumptions and promoting a more inclusive and diverse understanding of this critical social phenomenon.

In conclusion, Maternal Fictions is a groundbreaking work that pushes the boundaries of feminist literary criticism. Through its comprehensive analysis of motherhood in selected Indian womens fictions, it offers valuable insights into the prosody and politics of motherhood, challenging traditional narratives and promoting a more inclusive understanding of this critical social phenomenon. By engaging with the literary ramifications of these issues, the book contributes to the ongoing dialogue about motherhood and maternal identities, fostering a deeper appreciation of the complexities and nuances of maternal experiences.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032257075