Resistance Literature

by Barbara Harlow

As one of the foundational texts in the field of postcolonial writing, Barbara Harlow’s Resistance Literature introduced new ground in Western literary studies. Originally published in 1987 and now reissued with a new Preface by Mia Carter, this powerfully argued and controversial critique develops an approach to literature which is essentially political. Resistance Literature introduces the reader to the role of literature in the liberation movements of the developing world during the 20th Century. It considers a body of writing largely ignored in the west. Although the book is organized according to generic topics – poetry, narrative, prison memoirs – thematic topics, and the specific historical conditions that influence the cultural and political strategies of various resistance struggles, including those of Palestine, Nicaragua and South Africa, are brought to the fore. Among the questions raised are the role of women in the developing world; communication in circumstances of extreme atomization; literature versus propaganda; censorship; and the problem of adopting literary forms identified with the oppressor culture.

Genres: Nonfiction

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1987

Reviews

[Patri_Iridium]

Levaba 2 anos pospoñendo ler este libro e acaba de sorprenderme moitísimo. Analiza poesía e narrativa de diferentes movementos revolucionarios, dando contexto histórico para entendelos mellor.
O capítulo centrado nas historias dos presos políticos é moi interesante.

[Stella Hansen]

Are you ever so, so, glad that you read a book?

My main takeaway after finishing this anthology is that although I'm not the most experienced in reading literary criticism, and I didn't necessarily understand everything that was discussed, I still found the experience of reading this book incredibly enjoyable. The author analyses a broad range of books from a number of Third World revolutionary movements (this book is incredibly ambitious in its scope), and I felt incredibly privileged to have so many works brought to my attention that never otherwise would have been. Very much interested in reading more books like this because the format really appeals to me.

[Anna Coopey]

This was fascinating. Genuinely. And so, so, so useful for my project, you can't even imagine. Chapters One and Two ("The Theoretical-Historical Context" and "Resistance Poetry") were absolutely wonderful. And I always love something that quotes both Frantz Fanon and Edward Said.

[Alyza Surani]

Thanks Barbara Harlow for helping me get an A on my history paper