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A recent surge of interest in South Asian culture has met with a wealth of outstanding novels by Indian, Pakistani, and Sri Lankan authors. Increasing numbers of readers are aware of and drawn to such writers as Salman Rushdie, Bharati Mukherjee, and Arundati Roy, who regularly appear bestseller lists, win prestigious fiction awards, and are added to suggested classroom readings. This book is an ideal introduction for the student, educator, or general interested reader wishing to explore and appreciate the rich and varied worlds of South Asian literature for the first time. Each of the book's 15 chapters introduces readers to a significant Indian, Pakistani, or Sri Lankan writer. A brief biographical background focuses on the elements most relevant to the understanding of his or her fiction. A concise overview of the author's major works is provided, while the bulk of the chapter is devoted to the explication of a single work. Critical perspectives are offered, as well as background information enabling readers to view each work as window to South Asian culture.The works are presented in chronological order, beginning with Tagore's 1915 masterpiece Quartet and concluding with the recent bestseller The Death of Vishnu (2001) by Manil Suri. While each chapter can be enjoyed on its own, the volume is structured to trace the development of post-colonial fiction, situating the works against the historical and cultural elements that shape them. Works were selected for being the most representative of each author's output, or to present the works that are most likely to be interesting and accessible to the uninitiated reader. For this reason, short stories by Rushdie and Anita Desai are discussed instead of than their more famous novels.This book presents a balance between historical and modern settings, divergent religious and political perspectives, a broad selection of authors and settings of geographic diversity, and a wide range of literary techniques. Readers of many backgrounds will enjoy reading about these authors, their works, and the cultural elements that make these works so fascinating. A glossary of foreign terms and further suggested readings complete the book.
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MODERN SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Paul Brians GREENWOOD PRESS MODERN SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Recent Titles in Literature as Windows to World Cultures Latino Literature in America Bridget Kevane MODERN SOUTH ASIAN LITERATURE IN ENGLISH Paul Brians Literature as Windows to World Cultures GREENWOOD PRESS Westport, Connecticut • London Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data Brians, Paul. Modern South Asian Literature in English / by Paul Brians. p. cm. — (Literature as windows to world cultures) Includes bibliographical references and index. ISBN 0–313–32011–X (alk. paper) 1. Indic literature (English)—History and criticism. 2. Indic literature (English)—South Asian Authors—History and criticism. I. Title II. Series. PR9484.6.B75 2003 820.9'954—dc21 2003052842 British Library Cataloguing in Publication Data is available. Copyright © 2003 by Paul Brians All rights reserved. No portion of this book may be reproduced, by any process or technique, without the express written consent of the publisher. Library of Congress Catalog Card Number: 2003052842 ISBN: 0–313–32011–X ISSN: 1543–9968 First published in 2003 Greenwood Press, 88 Post Road West, Westport, CT 06881 An imprint of Greenwood Publishing Group, Inc. www.greenwood.com Printed in the United States of America The paper used in this book complies with the Permanent Paper Standard issued by the National Information Standards Organization (Z39.48–1984). 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 Contents Ack