Next-Generation Memory and Ukrainian Canadian Children's Historical Fiction: The Seeds of Memory

A book monograph about Anglophone Ukrainian Canadian children's historical fiction published between 1991 and 2021. It consists of five chapters offering cross-sectional and interdisciplinary readings of 41 books, focusing on the complex process of becoming Ukrainian Canadian and the significance of the cultural memory of the Holodomor, the Great Famine, and the Second World War. The volume argues that reading, imagining, and reimagining history can lead to the formation of beyond-textual next-generation memory, which involves the interpretation of both the present and the past by an individual whose reality has been shaped by the past.

Format: Hardback
Length: 234 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This groundbreaking book is the first monograph dedicated to exploring the rich tapestry of Anglophone Ukrainian Canadian children's historical fiction, published between 1991 and 2021. Comprising five meticulously researched chapters, it offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary analysis of a remarkable collection of 41 books, encompassing novels, novellas, picturebooks, short stories, and a graphic novel. The first three chapters delve into the intricate journey of becoming Ukrainian Canadian, showcasing the experiences of the first two waves of Ukrainian immigration to Canada, including encounters with Indigenous Peoples and the harrowing realities of the First World War Internment. The latter two chapters focus on the profound significance of the cultural memory of the Holodomor, the Great Famine of 1932-1933, and the Second World War for Ukrainian Canadians. Throughout all chapters, the author highlights the intricate entanglements of Ukrainian and Canadian history, emphasizing the vital role of Anglophone children's literature in safeguarding the symbolic seeds of memory from fading away. This volume makes a compelling argument that the act of reading, imagining, and reimagining history possesses the power to shape the formation of a new generation of memory that transcends the confines of text. This multidimensional memory, created through the interpretation of both the present and the past by individuals whose realities have been shaped by the past, is characterized by its anticipatory nature. Authors of historical fiction, recognizing the limitations of direct witness accounts and limited knowledge of the transcultural character of the Ukrainian Canadian diaspora, craft narratives that anticipate readers from both the present and the future. By doing so, they invite readers to engage with the past on a deeper level, fostering a deeper understanding of the complexities and nuances of history while also promoting empathy and compassion for the experiences of others. This book is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the profound impact it can have on shaping our collective memory and understanding of the world.

Weight: 620g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032435626