Against Storytelling (Literary Activism Series)

Against Storytelling, edited by Amit Chaudhuri, is a collection of essays that reconsiders the role and significance of storytelling in contemporary literature and culture. Bringing together the perspectives of novelists, academics and translators, the book examines how the idea of "storytelling" has evolved and questions many of the assumptions that shape discussions of writing, creativity and literary expression today.

Originating from talks presented at a Literary Activism symposium, the essays explore the cultural, historical and intellectual forces that have influenced the growing prominence of storytelling. The collection is intended for readers interested in literature, criticism, creative writing and the changing landscape of global literary culture.

About This Book

Against Storytelling investigates when and why the phrase "we are all storytellers" became widely accepted, linking its rise to developments such as the emergence of new forms of the novel, the global dominance of the English language and the era of economic liberalisation. The essays encourage readers to question whether storytelling alone defines the value of literature.

Featuring contributions from writers and scholars including Anjum Hasan, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, Charles Bernstein, Geoffrey O'Brien, Gurvinder Singh, Jeremy Harding, Jean-Frédéric Chevallier and Tiffany Atkinson, the book explores the possibilities of creativity beyond conventional narratives and highlights the diverse ways literature can engage with the world.

What You'll Discover

• Critical essays on the meaning of storytelling.
• Perspectives on literature, creativity and narrative.
• Discussions linking storytelling with cultural and historical change.
• Reflections on the influence of English and global literary trends.
• Contributions from novelists, academics and translators.
• Alternative ways of thinking about writing beyond traditional stories.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in literary criticism.
• Students and scholars of literature.
• Writers and creative writing enthusiasts.
• Readers exploring contemporary literary thought.

Why You'll Love This Book

Against Storytelling offers a thought-provoking examination of one of the most widely accepted ideas in contemporary literature. Through a diverse collection of essays, it encourages readers to rethink storytelling, creativity and the many forms that meaningful writing can take.