Neil Jordan: Works for the page

This book examines Neil Jordan's fiction, which has received little scholarly attention. It discusses his engagement with core concerns of Irish literature, such as the struggle to define oneself against history and the nation's efforts to transcend and process its colonial past. The book appeals to those familiar with Jordan as a filmmaker and provides a comprehensive introduction to his literary work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 06 May 2022
Publisher: Cork University Press

Neil Jordan: Works for the Page

Neil Jordan, hailed as a great Irish novelist by the Irish Times, is a peculiarly emblematic figure of cultural change, according to Fintan O Toole. However, remarkably, this critical acclaim has come without a detailed scholarly engagement with Jordan's most sustained interrogation of Ireland and notions of Irishness: his fiction. To address this gap in contemporary Irish literary criticism, Neil Jordan: Works for the Page emerges as a significant contribution. While Jordan's filmmaking is often discussed, the focus here is on his published work, encompassing his early volume of short fiction, numerous novels, and several uncollected stories. The result is a comprehensive work that will enhance understanding of contemporary Irish cultural studies while also suggesting future directions for the criticism of other artists operating in multiple creative disciplines.

The significance of this book lies in its exploration of what kind of artist Neil Jordan truly is. It challenges the prevailing perception of him as solely an Oscar-winning filmmaker or a European novelist of the first rank. In fact, Jordan is both, and the comprehensive introduction to the literary author provided by Neil Jordan: Works for the Page has been carefully structured to appeal to those familiar with only the filmmaker. This engaging study examines how, over a forty-year writing career, Jordan has engaged with and expanded upon many core concerns of Irish literature: the struggle to define oneself against the weight of history, both political and artistic; the quest to understand the nation's violent efforts to transcend and process its colonial past.

Through his fiction, Jordan has delved into the complexities of Irish identity, exploring themes of exile, nostalgia, and the search for belonging. His characters, often marginalized or oppressed, struggle to reconcile their past with their present, navigating the treacherous waters of cultural heritage and historical trauma. Jordan's writing is characterized by its vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and profound emotional depth, making him a master of the literary form.

In conclusion, Neil Jordan: Works for the Page is a groundbreaking work that fills a critical gap in contemporary Irish literary criticism. By examining Jordan's fiction in depth, this book offers a comprehensive understanding of his artistic contributions to Irish culture and literature. It challenges prevailing perceptions and provides a fresh perspective on his multifaceted artistry. Through its insightful analysis and engaging narrative, this book will appeal to scholars, students, and enthusiasts of Irish literature and culture, as well as those interested in exploring the broader implications of artistic expression in contemporary society.

Weight: 660g
Dimension: 167 x 242 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781782054955