The Late Modernist Novel: A Critique of Global Narrative Reason

The Late Modernist Novel explores how the novel reinvented itself for a Modernist age, focusing on a younger generation of writers who incorporated empirical structures as theme and form to expand the genre beyond the nation-state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 280 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The Late Modernist Novel delves into the profound transformation that the novel underwent to adapt to the challenges and complexities of a Modernist era, characterized by the ravages of war and the relentless expansion of capitalism. Seo Hee Im posits that the Anglophone novel embarked on a crucial journey, seeking to distance itself from the confines of the modern nation-state and, consequently, national history, which had been the foundational anchor of the genre since its inception. Extensive studies of modernism have illuminated how the novel responded to the crisis of the national idea. Prominent polyglot high modernists ventured into the realm of cosmopolitanism and multilingualism, experimenting with stylistic approaches that embraced a diverse range of languages and cultural influences. In contrast, the late modernists retreated to a literary nativism, seeking solace and inspiration in the rich tapestry of their own cultural heritage.

This book takes a fresh perspective by exploring a younger generation of writers who embraced empirical structures as both themes and forms. These innovative authors sought to expand the boundaries of the novel beyond the confines of the nation-state, challenging traditional notions of national identity and narrative. Through their creative endeavors, they breathed new life into the genre, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex interplay between culture, history, and individual expression.

The Late Modernist Novel serves as a valuable contribution to the field of literary studies, offering a comprehensive exploration of the novel's evolution in response to the changing tides of modernity. By examining the diverse strategies employed by writers across different periods, this book sheds light on the rich and dynamic nature of the literary landscape, highlighting the enduring power of the novel to capture the essence of human experience and propel us toward new horizons of understanding.

ISBN-13: 9781009168380