The Crisis of Liberal Democracy in Contemporary Novels

Leander Moller Gottcke

The Crisis of Liberal Democracy in Contemporary Novels
Format
Hardback
Publisher
Taylor & Francis Ltd
Country
United Kingdom
Published
22 April 2025
Pages
208
ISBN
9781032870441

The Crisis of Liberal Democracy in Contemporary Novels

Leander Moller Gottcke

This book explores how contemporary novels reflect a profound shift in Western culture, from the political optimism of the post-Cold War era to growing fears about the future of liberal democracy. Analyzing four major works - Karl Ove Knausgard's My Struggle series, Zadie Smith's White Teeth, Boualem Sansal's 2084 and Michel Houellebecq's Submission - it shows how these novels illuminate current social discontents and engages the anxieties of our time. Where the so-called "end-of-history" narrative once promised a triumphant liberal democracy, novelistic fiction today reflects a more ominous outlook: progressives are haunted by dystopian visions of democratic decline, while reactionaries fear cultural displacement and yearn for a lost Golden Age. Bridging literary analysis and political theory, the book offers new perspectives on how literature engages with and challenges contemporary political narratives, making it a vital resource for those interested in the intersection of politics and literature.

Order online and we’ll ship when available (22 April 2025)

Our stock data is updated periodically, and availability may change throughout the day for in-demand items. Please call the relevant shop for the most current stock information. Prices are subject to change without notice.

Sign in or become a Readings Member to add this title to a wishlist.