Reading Malaysian Literature in English: Ethnicity, Gender, Diaspora, and Nationalism

This book explores the thematic and stylistic trends in Malaysian Anglophone literature, focusing on postcolonial themes such as ethnicity, gender, diaspora, and nationalism. It includes works by established and lesser-known writers and aims to elevate the status of writings in Bahasa Malaysia.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 20 November 2022
Publisher: Springer Verlag, Singapore

This comprehensive collection of fourteen essays, penned by renowned critics from five diverse countries, including Australia, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States, delves into the rich tapestry of Malaysian Anglophone literature. Spanning a period from its inception to the present, the book meticulously examines the thematic and stylistic trends prevalent in the literary creations of select writers within the drama, fiction, and poetry genres. Central to the authors' imaginative prowess is the exploration of postcolonial themes such as ethnicity, gender, diaspora, and nationalism, which serve as the driving force behind their creative expressions.

The book goes beyond the confines of established writers and showcases the works of lesser-known but equally talented individuals, including Adibah Amin, Edward Dorall, Rehaman Rashid, and Huzir Suleiman. Through a collective effort, the chapters in this book address the challenges and accomplishments faced by writers in the English language within a country where English is widely utilized in everyday life but marginalized in the realm of creative expression. The objective is to elevate the status of writings in the national language, known as Bahasa Malaysia, thereby fostering a greater appreciation for English literature in the country.

What emerges from this captivating exploration is the remarkable talent and creativity exhibited by Malaysian writers in the English language. Their works stand on par with writers from other Anglophone traditions, showcasing a profound understanding of human experiences and a mastery of literary craftsmanship. This book will undoubtedly captivate readers and scholars interested in Malaysian literature, postcolonial literatures, minority literatures, gender studies, and Southeast Asian studies. It provides valuable insights into the diverse perspectives and artistic achievements of Malaysian Anglophone writers, contributing to a deeper understanding of their contributions to the global literary landscape.

Weight: 391g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9789811650239
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021