Writing Ocean Worlds: Indian Ocean Fiction in English

This book explores the Indian Ocean world through colonial and postcolonial fiction in English, analyzing the works of three contemporary authors and Joseph Conrad. It presents a coastal and transoceanic strand of postcolonial fiction that links east Africa, south Asia, and the Arab world via south-south connections, remapping the world as having its center in the ocean and the south.

Format: Hardback
Length: 178 pages
Publication date: 31 December 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of the Indian Ocean world, unraveling its intricate weave through the lens of colonial and postcolonial fiction in English. It embarks on a profound exploration, analyzing the captivating works of three contemporary authors who have skillfully crafted the Indian Ocean as a region and a world: Amitav Ghosh, Abdulrazak Gurnah, and Lindsey Collen. In addition, it pays homage to the maritime-imperial precursor, Joseph Conrad, whose literary contributions have left an indelible mark on the narrative.

If postcolonial literatures are occasionally perceived as national allegories, this book offers a unique perspective, presenting an account of a distinct and significant strand of postcolonial fiction whose geographical landscape, in contrast, is coastal and transoceanic. This groundbreaking work imaginatively weaves together east Africa, south Asia, and the Arab world through a web of south-south connections that predate and transcend European imperialism. The novels and stories evoke a vivid, storied sense of place, spanning both local and oceanic dimensions, effectively reimagining the world as centering around the ocean and the south.

Through its meticulous analysis, this book sheds light on the complex interplay between power, identity, and geography, revealing how the Indian Ocean has become a fertile ground for the exploration of cultural, historical, and social dynamics. It highlights the ways in which colonialism, imperialism, and globalization have shaped the region, leaving a lasting impact on its people, cultures, and landscapes. The authors' narratives offer a rich tapestry of characters, stories, and themes, capturing the essence of the Indian Ocean's diverse and vibrant tapestry.

In conclusion, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in delving into the complexities of the Indian Ocean world. It provides a fresh and insightful perspective, challenging our understanding of the region and its role in shaping global narratives. Through its vivid storytelling and rigorous analysis, it offers a valuable contribution to the field of postcolonial studies and beyond.

Weight: 388g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030871154
Edition number: 1st ed. 2021