In Babel's Shadow

This insightful exploration of multilingual literature highlights its challenges, as seen in In Babel's Shadow, revealing the tensions in global literary culture.

Multilingual literature presents unique challenges that go beyond simple translation. In In Babel's Shadow, Brian Lennon delves into the complexities and resistances that multilingual literature poses to the conventional processes of book publication. Through insightful readings of works by authors such as G. V. Desani, Anthony Burgess, Christine Brooke-Rose, Eva Hoffman, Emine Sevgi Özdamar, and Orhan Pamuk, Lennon illustrates how these texts reflect the tension between nationalized literary culture and the increasingly transnational nature of literature today.

The author argues that literature is not a static entity but rather an object in motion, shaped by cultural exchanges and linguistic diversity. By examining the limitations of multilingual literary expression alongside the literary journalism and criticism that surrounds it, In Babel's Shadow offers a critical exploration of how globalization affects literature. Lennon encourages readers to consider the implications of language and translation in understanding the broader literary landscape.

Ultimately, this work serves as a vital reflection on the fate of literature amidst the challenges posed by globalization. It invites readers to engage with the complexities inherent in multilingual texts and to appreciate the rich tapestry of voices that contribute to our understanding of literature in a globalized world.