London Irish Fictions: Narrative, Diaspora and Identity - Hardcover

Murray, Tony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1846318319 ISBN 13: 9781846318313

Publisher: Liverpool University Press, 2012

Synopsis

This is the first book about the literature of the Irish in London. By examining over 30 novels, short stories and autobiographies set in London since the Second World War, London Irish Fictions investigates the complex psychological landscapes of belonging and cultural allegiance found in these unique and intensely personal perspectives on the Irish experience of migration. As well as bringing new research to bear on the work of established Irish writers such as Edna O'Brien, John McGahern, Emma Donoghue and Joseph O'Connor, this study reveals a fascinating and hitherto unexplored literature, diverse in form and content.

By synthesising theories of narrative and diaspora into a new methodological approach to the study of migration, London Irish Fictions sheds new light on the ways in which migrant identities are negotiated, mediated and represented through literature. It also examines the specific role that the metropolis plays in literary portrayals of migrant experience as an arena for the performance of Irishness, as a catalyst in transformations of Irishness and as an intrinsic component of second-generation Irish identities. Furthermore, by analysing the central role of narrative in configuring migrant cultures and identities, it reassesses notions of exile, escape and return in Irish culture more generally. In this regard, it has particular relevance to current debates on migration and multiculturalism in both Britain and Ireland, especially in the wake of an emerging new phase of Irish migration in the post-'Celtic Tiger' era.

About this title

About the Author:

Tony Murray is Director of the Irish Studies Centre at London Metropolitan University.

Review:

"A landmark study of that most essential aspect of being Irish, the experience of it outside of Ireland itself. [...] A most handsome book, with a wonderful cover, both inside and outside Irish Studies, for the student or curious poet, this is clearly a foundation text. Hats off."--Books Ireland

"Murray's book makes its own powerful contribution in a study of Irish literary relationships with London that breaks new and important ground by furthering conversations about the keen significance of migration to Irish literary culture. London Irish Fictions is an elegantly written, compelling, and generous book that makes an invaluable contribution to understanding Irish and diasporic literary culture in the twenty-first century."--IIrish Studies Review

"London Irish Fictions is the first book that looks at literature of the Irish in London, and makes a valuable contribution to Irish diaspora studies more generally. Murray's analysis of the role of narrative in shaping diasporic identities is masterly, and sheds new light on representations of exile, escape and belonging in the diasporic experience. A highly enjoyable and recommended read."--IEstudios Irlandeses

"A pioneering and imperative study. Absorbing and necessary."--IThe Brazilian Journal of Irish Studies

"A rich, sympathetic and nuanced exploration of that strange blend of exile and escape, of suffering and play-acting, which characterises the Irish migrant experience in London [...] a valuable, unprecedented and necessary book."--Declan Kiberd, Donald and Marilyn Keough Professor of Irish Studies, Notre Dame University

"... an important contribution to a number of areas: Irish studies, diaspora and migration studies, and the study of the literature of London."--Years Work in English Studies

About this edition

• Publisher: Liverpool University Press
• Publication date: 2012
• ISBN 10: 1846318319
• ISBN 13: 9781846318313
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 222