'Journal of English Language and Literature' (JOELL): New Review of "Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature"

Congratulations to Shuchi Agrawal, the author of the book "Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature" for receiving a review from Aanchal Mishra (Amity University, Noida) published in the 'Journal of English Language and Literature' (JOELL), Vol.12, No. 1 (January-March) 2025:

[…] an insightful contribution to the field of postcolonial studies, analysing literary works from a variety of geographical regions. The book broadly covers the intersections of cultures, history, and societies and vividly talks about the theoretical frameworks that have risen as the outcome of colonialism. It includes Africa, the Caribbean, and India, and provides in-depth research on key postcolonial theories. The book is rich in its use of vernacular languages practiced by postcolonial critics and theorists representing a new wave of authenticity and originality in writing. […] The book covers a vast range of key concepts useful in the study of postcolonial theory and presents an amalgamation of Intersectionality of Globalization, Transnationalism, and Postcolonial Studies. […]
Overall, all concepts are beautifully curated and explained and the transition of the chapters discussing evolution of postcolonial theory, flows smoothly in a well-structured manner throughout the book.

[Extract from book review on the 'Journal of English Language and Literature' (JOELL), Vol.12, No. 1 (January-March) 2025. Reviewer: Aanchal Mishra (Amity University, Noida) DOI: 10.54513/JOELL.2025.121103]

The book is available to order here: "Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature"

'Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature' delves into the intricate area of postcolonial discourse, amplifying the voices emerging from the margins, challenging dominant narratives while exploring the themes of identity, mimicry, hybridity, power and resistance. Drawing from key theorists such as Edward Said, Homi K. Bhabha, Frantz Fanon, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Philip G. Altbach, Deepesh Chakravarthy, Chandra Talpade Mohanty, Gauri Viswanathan etc., this book offers a deep investigation into the multiple aspects of theoretical frameworks that shape postcolonial discourse. The analysis moves seamlessly from theory to literature, investigating how postcolonial literary texts navigate critical issues such as hybridity, mimicry, identity and resistance.

A vital resource for students, research scholars, teachers, and anyone curious about the dynamic field of postcolonial theory and literature, this book calls readers to reflect, question, and join the discourse on the complex narratives that continue to shape our world. Generally, most of the postcolonial critiques explore linguistic imperialism, but this book makes a groundbreaking contribution by foregrounding the use of vernacular languages in literary texts and critical theory, positing that this is not just an aesthetic choice but a form of resistance and identity reclamation. In doing so, it echoes Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s call for linguistic decolonization and applies it in a broader, more diverse context, examining how the act of writing in local languages disrupts colonial power dynamics and fosters cultural preservation. While much of postcolonial criticism tends to centre on broad historical and political analysis, 'Navigating Boundaries' emphasizes the multiple voices coming from Africa, Caribbean and South Asia, offering a more intimate look at identity formation in postcolonial settings. Moreover, the book’s interdisciplinary approach strengthens its position in the field. By weaving in cultural studies, sociology, and psychological perspectives on gender, trauma, ethnicity and memory, it opens up fresh pathways, making the work relevant not just for literary scholars, but for those interested in a wider discourse on postcolonial theory.

Title Navigating Boundaries: A Comprehensive Study of Postcolonial Theory and Literature [Hardback]
Edition 1st
ISBN 979-8-8819-0095-3
Published in February 2025