Contemporary Irish Fiction: Themes, Tropes, Theories

Using a critical of methods and theoretical approaches, the contributors examine the distinctive themes, styles and narrative strategies of some of Ireland's finest contemporary novelists. The scope of the collection is broad, ranging from detailed assessments of such internationally acclaimed authors as John Banville, Edna O'Brien and Patrick McCabe, to studies of critically neglected writers such as Clare Boylan and Dorothy Nelson. The range of topics covered equally diverse, with informed analyses of fictional representation of such concepts as the city, exile, motherhood, incest, lesbianism, and political violence in Northern Ireland. As a timely critical survey of an ever-expanding area of contemporary writing Contemporary Irish Fiction enables students, academics and general readers to gain a fuller understanding of the seminal role of writers in re-imagining Irish culture and society.

Author Biography: Liam Harte is Senior Lecturer in Irish Studies at Saint Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, London.

Author Biography: Michael Parker is Principal Lecturer in English at the University of Central Lancashire.