Bessie Head and the Trauma of Exile - Identity and Alienation in Southern African Fiction

This book investigates themes of exile and oppression in Southern Africa across Bessie Head’s novels and short fiction. An exile herself, arriving in Botswana as a South African refugee, Bessie Head’s fiction serves as an important example of African exile literature. This book argues that Head’s characters are driven to exile as a result of their socio- political ambivalence while still in South Africa, and that this sense of discomfort follows them to their new lives. Investigating themes of trauma and identity politics across colonial and post- colonial contexts, this book also addresses the important theme of black- on- black prejudice and hostility which is often overlooked in studies of Head’s work. Covering Head’s shorter fiction as well as her major novels When Rain Clouds Gather (1969), Maru (1971), A Question of Power (1973), Serowe: Village of the Rain Wind (1981), and A Bewitched Crossroads: An African Saga (1984), this book will be of interest to researchers of African literature and postcolonial history.

General

Imprint:	Routledge
Country of origin:	United Kingdom
Series:	Global Africa
Release date:	September 2023
First published:	2021
Authors:	Joshua Agbo
Dimensions:	234 x 156mm (L x W)
Pages:	228
ISBN-13:	978-0-367-72329-3
Categories:	Books Promotions
LSN:	0-367-72329-8
Barcode:	9780367723293

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