Trauma and Fictions of the "War on Terror": Disrupting Memory

This book explores how transnational fiction in the post-9/11 era can advocate for marginalized perspectives by challenging the dominant Western trauma theory and representing the experiences of Afghans under Western hegemony.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the compelling ways in which transnational fiction has emerged as a powerful tool in the post-9/11 era to challenge and advocate for marginalized perspectives surrounding the war on terror. By conceptualizing global political discourse about this complex issue as incongruous, Trauma and Fictions of the War on Terror highlights the ways in which transnational memory frames have been established in Western nations, privileging 9/11 as a singularly traumatic event while disregarding the historical and ongoing experiences of Afghans subjected to Western, particularly American, hegemonic violence.

Recent advancements in trauma studies shed light on how dominant Western trauma theory contributes to this exclusion, failing to acknowledge the shared suffering experienced in non-Western, colonial, and postcolonial contexts. In order to explore these dynamics further, the book delves into the works of Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner), Nadeem Aslam (The Wasted Vigil, The Blind Mans Garden), and Kamila Shamsie (Burnt Shadows). These authors, through their narratives, provide powerful representations of marginalized perspectives within the context of the war on terror, challenging the dominant narratives and offering a more nuanced understanding of the complex interplay of power, trauma, and identity in this global conflict.

Through its insightful analysis and compelling storytelling, Trauma and Fictions of the War on Terror offers a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the war on terror and its impact on individuals and communities around the world. By highlighting the ways in which transnational fiction can intervene in discourse and advocate for marginalized perspectives, this book provides a roadmap for readers seeking to understand the complexities of this global crisis and work towards a more inclusive and equitable world.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367776473