Zadie Smith and Postcolonial Trauma: Decolonising Trauma, Decolonising Selves

This monograph examines Zadie Smith's novels White Teeth, On Beauty, NW, The Embassy of Cambodia, and Swing Time as trauma fictions that explore the social, cultural, historical, and political aspects of trauma. It challenges Western theories of trauma and coping and exposes the insidiousness of (post)colonial suffering and unbelonging. It also explores transgenerational trauma, the tensions between remembering and forgetting, multidirectional memory, and the possibilities of the ambiguities and contradictions of the postcolonial and diasporic characters. The analysis aims to ethically redefine trauma theory from a postcolonial and decolonial standpoint and emphasizes the need to acknowledge and work through colonial histories and postcolonial forms of oppression.

Format: Hardback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This monograph delves into the intricate realm of Zadie Smith's literary works, specifically examining her novels White Teeth, On Beauty, NW, The Embassy of Cambodia, and Swing Time, as profound expressions of trauma fiction. Through a comprehensive analysis, it uncovers the multifaceted dimensions of trauma, revealing its profound impact on social, cultural, historical, and political realms.

Beginning with Smith's witty critique of psychoanalysis and her innovative definition of original trauma, this volume explores Smith's audacious challenge to Western notions of trauma and coping mechanisms. It delves into how her narratives expose the insidiousness of (post)colonial suffering and the sense of unbelonging experienced by her characters.

In the subsequent chapters, the book delves into the realm of transgenerational trauma, exploring the intricate interplay between remembering and forgetting, the complexities of multidirectional memory, and the ambiguities and contradictions inherent in the postcolonial and diasporic characters portrayed by Smith. This analysis sheds light on Smith's unwavering commitment to ethically redefining trauma theory from a postcolonial and decolonial perspective, emphasizing the urgent need to acknowledge and confront the legacies of colonialism and its ongoing manifestations in postcolonial forms of oppression.

Furthermore, this analysis prompts critical reflection on our roles as witnesses of suffering in the globalized world. It encourages us to engage in introspection and empathy, recognizing the interconnectedness of human experiences and the responsibility we hold to address the injustices perpetuated by trauma.

Through its meticulous exploration of Smith's literary works, this monograph offers a profound understanding of the complexities of trauma and its profound implications for individuals, societies, and the broader world. It serves as a testament to the power of literature to shed light on the darkest corners of human existence and inspire meaningful change.

Weight: 392g
Dimension: 158 x 235 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367460693