Radical Realism, Autofictional Narratives and the Reinvention of the Novel

This monograph explores how contexts of production and reception influence generic expectations in contemporary auto/biography, memoir, and autofiction, highlighting the significance of the narrator's status as a (fictional) persona or (implied) author.

Format: Hardback
Length: 180 pages
Publication date: 14 February 2023
Publisher: Anthem Press

This monograph delves into the diverse modes of fictionality prevalent in contemporary auto/biography, memoir, and autofiction. By employing a case study approach, it showcases the significant role that contexts of production and reception play in shaping generic expectations regarding the representation of lived experience and in establishing the identity of the narrator as either a (fictional) persona or an (implied) author.

In auto/biography, the boundaries between fact and fiction are often blurred, as authors intertwine personal experiences with fictional storytelling. This blurring of boundaries can create a sense of authenticity and intimacy, as the reader feels like they are getting a glimpse into the author's true self. However, it can also lead to confusion and skepticism, as the reader struggles to distinguish between what is fact and what is fiction.

Memoirs, on the other hand, are typically based on the author's actual experiences, but they may also include fictional elements or embellishments. Memoirs can serve as a way for the author to explore their past and gain insight into their own identity, but they can also be controversial, as the author may manipulate or exaggerate certain events for dramatic effect.

Autofiction, as the name suggests, combines elements of autobiography and fiction. Autofictional works often blur the lines between the narrator and the author, challenging traditional notions of authorship and identity. Autofiction can be used to explore complex themes and issues, but it can also be criticized for its lack of authenticity and its tendency to exploit personal trauma for artistic gain.

In auto/biography, the lines between fact and fiction often become intertwined, as authors blend personal experiences with fictional storytelling. This blurring of boundaries can evoke a sense of authenticity and intimacy, as readers feel like they are gaining a deeper understanding of the author's true self. However, this ambiguity can also lead to confusion and skepticism, as readers struggle to discern what is fact and what is fiction.

Memoirs, on the other hand, are typically based on the author's actual experiences, although they may incorporate fictional elements or embellishments. Memoirs serve as a means for the author to delve into their past and gain insights into their own identity. However, they can also be contentious, as authors may manipulate or exaggerate certain events for dramatic effect.

Autofiction, as the name implies, blends elements of autobiography and fiction. Autofictional works often challenge traditional notions of authorship and identity by blurring the lines between the narrator and the author. Autofiction can be employed to explore complex themes and issues, but it can also face criticism for its lack of authenticity and its tendency to exploit personal trauma for artistic gain.

Through a comprehensive analysis of various case studies, this monograph aims to shed light on the complex interplay between fictionality and lived experience in contemporary auto/biography, memoir, and autofiction. It explores how contexts of production and reception shape generic expectations and contribute to the construction of the narrator's identity. By examining the ways in which authors navigate the boundaries between fact and fiction, this monograph offers valuable insights into the evolving nature of self-representation in the digital age.

Weight: 422g
Dimension: 237 x 160 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839983375