Toward an Animist Reading of Postcolonial Trauma Literature

This book explores how postcolonial fiction from Nigeria and India represents trauma through the lens of animism,the belief in the spiritual qualities of nonhuman matter. It argues that animist beliefs shape the aesthetic representation of trauma, highlighting the complex metaphor and narrative structure in these literary texts. The book challenges the conventional wisdom that working through trauma involves achieving physical and psychic integrity in a stable environment, suggesting that a provisional but substantive healing can emerge in an animist relationship between human trauma victims and nonhuman matter.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the realm of postcolonial fiction, employing the conceptual framework of animism to analyze the representations of trauma within these narratives. Animism, a belief in the spiritual qualities of nonhuman matter, serves as a lens through which to examine the intricate connections between human and nonhuman experiences. As postcolonial nations navigate the complexities of a rapidly changing world, the experience of trauma becomes deeply intertwined with the challenges of resource scarcity, rapid industrialization, and ecological crises. These multifaceted factors create a landscape characterized by constant interplay between human beings and the natural world.

In this exploration, the book examines a selection of novels by renowned authors such as Chinua Achebe, Jhumpa Lahiri, Nnedi Okorafor, and Arundhati Roy. Through a close analysis of their works, the book seeks to understand how animist beliefs shape the aesthetic representation of trauma in postcolonial literature. It pays particular attention to the intricate metaphors and narrative structures employed by these authors to convey the profound impact of trauma on individuals and communities.

What emerges from this analysis is a nuanced understanding of the process of working through trauma. Contrary to conventional notions, the book suggests that healing can occur in an animist relationship between human trauma victims and nonhuman matter. This relationship fosters a provisional but substantive form of healing, one that recognizes the interconnectedness of all beings and the potential for transformation and growth in the face of adversity.

Through its rich framework, this book offers valuable insights into the study of postcolonial literature, Nigerian literature, and South Asian literature. It challenges the traditional narratives of trauma resolution and provides a fresh perspective on the healing potential found within the complexities of human-nonhuman relationships. By exploring the intersections of animism, trauma, and postcolonialism, this book contributes to our understanding of the ongoing struggles and resilience of individuals and communities in the aftermath of colonization.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367519896