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: Paperback / softback
Length: 170 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2023
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, encompassing social, cultural, historical, and political aspects.

Beginning with Smith's witty critique of psychoanalysis and her unique 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.

Furthermore, this book explores the profound impact of transgenerational trauma, the delicate balance between remembering and forgetting, the complexities of multidirectional memory, and the rich tapestry of ambiguities and contradictions that characterize Smith's postcolonial and diasporic characters. Through this analysis, it becomes evident that Smith's literary endeavors are driven by an ethical mission to redefine trauma theory from a postcolonial and decolonial perspective.

Moreover, the book reiterates the urgent need to acknowledge and confront the legacies of colonialism and postcolonial forms of oppression. It prompts critical reflection on our roles as witnesses of suffering in the global context, urging us to engage in meaningful conversations and actions that seek to heal and transform the wounds of the past.

In conclusion, this monograph offers a profound exploration of Zadie Smith's trauma fiction, shedding light on the intricate connections between personal trauma, societal structures, and the broader historical context. It serves as a testament to Smith's literary brilliance and her unwavering commitment to addressing the complexities of trauma and its impact on individuals and communities. Through her narratives, Smith invites us to explore the depths of human resilience, empathy, and the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.

Weight: 266g
Dimension: 228 x 153 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032034638