Post-9/11 Historical Fiction and Alternate History Fiction: Transnational and Multidirectional Memory

This book investigates why contemporary writers are so fascinated with history, focusing on how fiction contributes to the making and remaking of the transnational history of the U.S. by thinking beyond and before 9/11. It explores how the dynamics of memory and the emergent present influence readers' reception of historical fiction and alternate history fiction and their interpretation of the past. Set against the historical backdrop of WWII, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terror, the novels under discussion tell Jewish, Japanese, white American, African, Muslim, and Native Americans stories of trauma and survival. They demonstrate how multidirectional memory can be collective and connective, as exemplified by the echoes that post-9/11 readers hear between different histories of violence and between the past and the present.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 203 pages
Publication date: 20 September 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Drawing on a rich tapestry of theories encompassing historiography, memory, and diaspora, as well as existing genre studies, this captivating book delves into the profound fascination of contemporary writers with history. Pei-chen Liao embarks on a thought-provoking exploration, examining how fiction plays a pivotal role in shaping and reimagining the transnational history of the United States. By venturing beyond the confines of 9/11 and delving into the intricate dynamics of memory and the emergent present, Liao sheds light on how readers engage with historical fiction and alternate history fiction, ultimately interpreting the past.

Set against the historical backdrop of World War II, the Vietnam War, and the War on Terror, the novels under scrutiny weave captivating narratives that revolve around the experiences of Jewish, Japanese, white American, African, Muslim, and Native Americans. These narratives serve as powerful vessels for transmitting the memories of past events, showcasing how multidirectional memory can be both collective and connective. Through the echoes resonating between different histories of violence chronicled in the novels and the interconnections between the past and the present, readers are invited to contemplate the intricate tapestry of human experiences and the enduring impact of historical events.

This book offers a profound exploration of the ways in which contemporary writers harness the power of fiction to engage with history, illuminating the intricate connections between past and present, and fostering a deeper understanding of our collective human narrative.

Weight: 283g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030524944
Edition number: 1st ed. 2020