Narrative Performances of Mothering in South Asian Diasporic Fiction

This monograph examines South Asian Anglophone diasporic fiction and poetry to explore the maternal and the motherland, challenging essentialist conceptions and investigating mothering as a performative practice that produces discursive meaning. It also examines central metaphors in nationalist and diasporic rhetorics, bringing critical attention to their strategies and aesthetic forms.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 30 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This monograph delves into a comprehensive examination of a diverse array of South Asian Anglophone diasporic fiction and poetry, forging a groundbreaking dialogue between diaspora studies and gender studies. By re-evaluating the critical relationship between diaspora and notions of the maternal and the motherland, it unveils the transformative potential of such re-examination. Instead of perceiving maternity as a fixed or inherent category, this study challenges essentialist perspectives and delves into mothering as a dynamic and performative practice that actively generates discursive meaning. Furthermore, this innovative approach involves a thorough exploration of central metaphors employed in nationalist and diasporic rhetorics, shedding light on the strategies they adopt and the distinctive aesthetic forms they create. Through this multidisciplinary approach, the monograph offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of identity, belonging, and the negotiation of cultural heritage within South Asian diasporic contexts.

Weight: 344g
Dimension: 227 x 153 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032420486