Narratives of Motherhood and Mothering in Fiction and Life Writing

This open-access book explores motherhood and mothering in contemporary fiction and life writing across national contexts, highlighting the significance of literary narratives for understanding and critiquing these phenomena. The chapters contextualize motherhood and mothering in terms of their national and cultural location, analyzing narratives about mothers in one national context and those in "in-between" positions due to migrant experiences. They raise questions about absence, presence, ambivalences, and the (im)possibilities of giving voice to the mother.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 183 pages
Publication date: 17 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

This open-access volume presents original essays exploring how motherhood and mothering are portrayed in contemporary fiction and life writing across diverse national contexts. Offering a comprehensive range of perspectives, including geopolitical locations, thematic concerns, and theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches, it underscores the importance of literary narratives in understanding and critiquing motherhood and mothering as social phenomena and subjective experiences. The chapters contextualize motherhood and mothering within their specific national and cultural frameworks, examining narratives about mothers who are firmly rooted in one national context as well as those who navigate "in-between" positions due to migrant experiences. The contributions foreground and connect the central themes of the volume: embodied experiences and maternal embodiment; notions of what is considered "normal" or natural (or not) about motherhood; maternal health and illness; mother-daughter relations; maternity and memory; and the (im)possibilities of giving voice to the mother. They raise thought-provoking questions about how motherhood and mothering are marked by absence and/or presence, as well as by profound ambivalences.

Introduction:
Motherhood and mothering have long been significant themes in literature, life writing, and cultural discourse. The representation of these roles has evolved over time, reflecting changing societal norms, values, and experiences. This open-access volume aims to contribute to the understanding of motherhood and mothering in contemporary fiction and life writing by exploring their representation across various national contexts.

Chapter 1:
In the first chapter, the authors examine how motherhood and mothering are portrayed in contemporary fiction from different geopolitical locations. They explore how these narratives reflect the specific cultural and social norms of different countries, as well as the challenges and complexities faced by mothers in these contexts. The chapter also highlights the role of literature in shaping perceptions of motherhood and mothering.

Chapter 2:
The second chapter focuses on the thematic concerns surrounding motherhood and mothering in contemporary fiction. The authors explore how these narratives address issues such as gender roles, power dynamics, identity, and the intersection of motherhood with other aspects of life such as work, politics, and social movements. They also examine how motherhood is represented in different genres, such as novels, short stories, and memoirs.

Chapter 3:
In the third chapter, the authors examine how motherhood and mothering are represented in life writing from different national contexts. They explore how life stories capture the experiences, struggles, and triumphs of mothers, as well as the impact of motherhood on their personal and professional lives. The chapter also considers the role of memory and storytelling in shaping the representation of motherhood and mothering.

Chapter 4:
The fourth chapter explores the theoretical and interdisciplinary approaches to studying motherhood and mothering in contemporary fiction and life writing. The authors discuss how literary theories, such as feminist theory, postcolonial theory, and psychoanalytic theory, can be used to analyze these narratives and understand their significance. They also highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in capturing the complexity of motherhood and mothering.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, this open-access volume offers a rich and diverse exploration of how motherhood and mothering are represented in contemporary fiction and life writing across various national contexts. The chapters provide valuable insights into the complexities of these roles, the challenges faced by mothers, and the role of literature in shaping perceptions of motherhood and mothering. The volume encourages further research and discussion on these important themes, contributing to our understanding of motherhood and mothering in the 21st century.

Weight: 263g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031172137
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023