Jonathan Lethem is the first full-length study dedicated to the
work of an exciting, genre-busting contemporary writer with an
increasingly high profile in American literature. Examining all of
Lethem's novels, as well as a number of his short fictions, essays
and critical works, this study shows how the author's prolific
output, his restlessness and his desire always to be subverting
literary forms and genres are consistent with his interest in
subcultural identities. The human need to break off into small
groupings, subcultures or miniature utopias is mirrored in the
critical tendency to enforce generic boundaries. To break down the
boundaries between genres, then, is partly to make a nonsense of
critical distinctions between 'high' and 'low' literature, and
partly to reflect the wider need to recognize difference, to
appreciate that other people, no matter how outlandish and alien
they may appear, share similar desires, experiences and problems.
With this in mind, James Peacock argues that Lethem's experiments
with genre are not merely games or elaborate literary jokes, but
ethical necessities, particularly when viewed in the light of the
losses and traumas that shadow all of his writing. *Jonathan
Lethem* therefore makes an important contribution not just to
Lethem studies, but also to debates about genre and its position in
postmodern or 'post-postmodern' literature. It will be of interest
to all scholars and students of contemporary American writing, as
well as those interested in genre fiction and literature's
relationship with subcultures.
General
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!
Welcome to Loot.co.za!
Sign in / Register |Wishlists & Gift Vouchers |Help | Advanced search
(2)
