Understanding Jennifer Egan

Understanding Jennifer Egan is a book-length study of the novelist, short-story writer, and journalist best known for the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel A Visit from the Goon Squad. It examines each of Egan's published works, analyzes how her journalism informs her fiction, excavates her literary and intellectual influences, and considers her place in contemporary fiction. Alexander Moran proposes a framework for understanding her writing centered on having and writing an authentic experience, and discusses Egan's 2017 novel Manhattan Beach as a text that explores the authenticity of history and genre while resonating with the instability of the present.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 03 September 2021
Publisher: University of South Carolina Press

Understanding Jennifer Egan is the first comprehensive book-length study of the acclaimed novelist, short-story writer, and journalist best known for her Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, A Visit from the Goon Squad. In this insightful exploration, Alexander Moran delves into the diverse body of work of Jennifer Egan, examining how her journalism informs her fiction, uncovering her literary and intellectual influences, and assessing her place in contemporary fiction. Moran's central argument is that because Egan's fiction defies easy categorization, many of her novels have been overlooked or underappreciated. To address this, he offers a framework for understanding her writing, centered on the concept of authentic experience.

Throughout Understanding Jennifer Egan, Moran takes readers on a journey through Egan's published works, analyzing each piece in detail. He explores how her journalism shapes her fiction, shedding light on the influences and inspirations that shape her narratives. Moran also delves into Egan's literary and intellectual influences, from the works of Jane Austen to the theories of cognitive psychology. By examining these influences, Moran provides a deeper understanding of Egan's writing style and the themes she explores.

In Emerald City, Egan delves into the authenticity of the tourist experience, questioning the ways in which we perceive and interpret the places we visit. Through the character of Lena, a tour guide in New York City, Egan explores the complexities of cultural exchange, the role of memory in shaping our understanding of the past, and the ways in which technology can both enhance and distort our experiences.

In The Invisible Circus, Egan shifts her focus to the authenticity of historical memory. Through the story of a family living in 1960s San Francisco, she explores the ways in which historical events are remembered, mythologized, and reinterpreted over time. Egan examines the power of storytelling, the role of memory in shaping our identities, and the ways in which historical narratives can be both accurate and inaccurate.

In Look at Me, The Keep, and A Visit from the Goon Squad, Egan explores the effects of digital technology on how we understand authentic experience. Through the characters of various individuals living in the digital age, she examines the challenges and opportunities presented by technology, the ways in which it shapes our relationships, and the ways in which it can both enhance and detract from our sense of self.

In the concluding chapter of Understanding Jennifer Egan, Moran discusses Egan's 2017 novel, Manhattan Beach, as a text that explores the authenticity of history and genre while resonating with the instability of the present. Moran analyzes the ways in which Egan weaves historical events and literary traditions into her narrative, creating a rich and complex tapestry of storytelling. He also discusses how the novel reflects the challenges and uncertainties of contemporary life, from political polarization to social inequality.

Understanding Jennifer Egan is a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary literature. Through its comprehensive analysis of Egan's work, Moran provides readers with a deeper understanding of her writing style, themes, and intellectual influences. By offering a framework for understanding authentic experience, Moran encourages readers to engage with Egan's novels on a new level, appreciating the complexity and richness of her storytelling. Whether you are a fan of Jennifer Egan or an aspiring writer seeking to expand your literary horizons, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary fiction.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 158 x 237 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643362243