Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores the ways in which a range of recent American novelists have handled the genre of the 'coming-of-age' novel. Novels of this genre characteristically dramatise the vicissitudes of growing up and the trials and tribulations of young adulthood.
Trade ReviewThis promises to be an original and comprehensive work in American literary and cultural studies. -- Professor Bert Bender, Arizona State University ...a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary American literature... Millard's readings of the coming-of-age novels presented in Coming of Age in Contemporary American Fiction testify to his admirable critical acumen and encourage readers to explore further the genre along the lines staked out in his book. Moreover, it is a very interesting text in its own right; intellectually stimulating, informed by empathy and political passion. European Journal of American Studies This is a readable, excellent addition to the literature. Highly recommended. Choice This promises to be an original and comprehensive work in American literary and cultural studies. ...a valuable contribution to the study of contemporary American literature... Millard's readings of the coming-of-age novels presented in Coming of Age in Contemporary American Fiction testify to his admirable critical acumen and encourage readers to explore further the genre along the lines staked out in his book. Moreover, it is a very interesting text in its own right; intellectually stimulating, informed by empathy and political passion. This is a readable, excellent addition to the literature. Highly recommended.
Table of ContentsAmerican Adolescence: The Contemporary Coming-of-Age Novel; Introduction: Contemporary Coming-of-Age: Subject to Change; 1. In the Name of the Father; Brady Udall, The Miracle Life of Edgar Mint, 2001.; Russell Banks, Rule of the Bone, 1995.; 2. I Change Therefore I Am: Growing up in the Sixties; Gish Jen, Mona in the Promised Land, 1996.; Geoffrey Wolff, The Age of Consent, 1995.; 3. Citation and Resuscitation; Rick Moody, Purple America, 1997.; Jeffrey Eugenides, The Virgin Suicides, 1993, and Middlessex, 2001.; 4. Language Acquisition: Life Sentences; Scott Bradfield, The History of Luminous Motion, 1989.; Mark Richard, Fishboy, 1993.; 5. Lexicon of Love; Marilynne Robinson, Housekeeping, 1981.; Josephine Humphries, Rich in Love, 1987.; 6. Memoirs and Memorials; Dorothy Allison, Bastard out of Carolina, 1992.; Elizabeth Wurtzel, Prozac Nation, 1995.; Conclusion.
