WOMEN WRITERS OF THE SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA: Interpreting Gender, Texts and Contexts

Book Details

• Author: Ajay K. Chaubey and Shilpa Daithota Bhat (Eds)

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• Language: English

• ISBN: 9788131610594

• Pages: 264

• Binding: Hardcover

About the Book

Women Writers of the South Asian Diaspora: Interpreting Gender, Texts and Contexts presents a comprehensive and diverse range of perspectives on the literary works of women writers hailing from South Asia and living across the world. The volume is a detailed exploration of themes and issues that are explored by both well-established and emerging authors from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.

Diasporic literature produced by women offers intriguing insights into the experience of migration and life abroad, particularly for South Asians grappling with cultural differences, acculturation, and hybridization. The anthology delves into the complexities of this journey, examining the experiences of South Asians as they adapt to new societies and the emotional and social challenges they face. The narratives of these diaspora authors are shaped by unique visions of international migration, identity, and gender roles.

Through a collection of articles, this volume maps the journey of South Asian women abroad, capturing the diverse challenges they face, from identity crises and gender discrimination to alienation. The personal experiences shared by authors like Chandani Lokugé and Manjushree Thapa offer new and refreshing perspectives on these topics, adding depth to the discussions on exploitation and trauma.

The anthology is divided into four key sections:

• Section A focuses on diasporic women writers from India, analyzing how themes like transnationalism, identity, and violence are portrayed in works by authors such as Bharati Mukherjee, Easterine Kire, and Kiran Desai.

• Section B turns its attention to Pakistani and Bangladeshi diaspora writers, including Bapsi Sidhwa and Kamila Shamsie, exploring multiculturalism, ethnic identity, and the politics of Islamic feminism.

• Section C examines diaspora writing from Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan, analyzing the themes of belonging, postcolonialism, and patriarchy through works by Nayomi Munaweera and Kunzang Choden.

• Section D features conversations with writers, offering intimate insights from Chandani Lokugé and Manjushree Thapa, providing a window into the authors’ personal journeys and their views on diaspora and migration.

This anthology is a valuable addition to the academic field of diaspora studies and gender studies, providing a rich and multidimensional exploration of the experiences of South Asian women writers in the diaspora. The volume also offers a critical framework for understanding the gendered nuances of diaspora and the way in which these narratives shape the discourse on global migration and identity.