Reimagining Tibet: Politics of Literary Representation

This book explores how territorial, civilizational, and cultural location shapes one's gaze and attitude when representing a contested space like Tibet in three novels, as well as Tibetan exilic writings and virtual activities of activists. It includes interviews with eight Anglophone Tibetan writers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 216 pages
Publication date: 28 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate interplay between territorial, civilisational, and cultural location, shaping one's gaze and attitude when representing a contested space like Tibet. Through a comprehensive analysis of three novels, namely James Hilton's Lost Horizon (1933), Jamyang Norbus' The Mandala of Sherlock Holmes (1999), and Kaushik Barua's Windhorse (2013), it sheds light on the diverse representations of Tibet in contemporary fiction. By examining these novels' portrayal of Tibet, the book explores the emergence of different types of gaze, including insider, outsider, and insider-outsider perspectives. It contextualises these gazes within the broader framework of contemporary Tibetan activist writers, providing a rich tapestry of insights. Furthermore, the book delves into Tibetan exilic writings and virtual activities of Tibetan activists, challenging the age-old image of the Tibetans as passive and non-violent people. It showcases how activists harness social networking as a powerful platform to counter the imperialist occupation of Tibet by China. The book includes insightful interviews with eight Anglophone Tibetan writers, including Tenzin Tsundue, Thubten Samphel, Tsering Namgyal Khortsa, Tsering Wangmo Dhompa, Jamyang Norbu, Tenzin Dickie, Bhuchung D. Sonam, and an Indian writer who has written on Tibet, Kaushik Barua.

Interdisciplinary in approach, accessible to a wide audience, and filled with engaging insights, this book stands as one of the pioneering studies on the representation of Tibet in English fiction. It will appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of literature, media and cultural studies, politics, history, and China studies, offering a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics between culture, identity, and power.

Weight: 580g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032132686