The Expatriate Myth

Explore the captivating world of New Zealand literary history with 'The Expatriate Myth' by Helen Bones. This insightful paperback dives into the lives of late 19th and early 20th-century New Zealand writers who ventured overseas, challenging the conventional narratives surrounding expatriatism. With an engaging blend of historical context and literary analysis, Bones investigates whether these writers truly needed to leave New Zealand for literary success or if their achievements were buoyed by their connections to their homeland. This compelling work dissects the prevalent myths of literary exodus and exile, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of what it meant to be a New Zealander in a globalized literary scene. The detailed empirical research lays bare the transnational nature of these writers’ experiences, as they navigated colonial networks without abandoning their Kiwi roots. Ideal for scholars and enthusiasts of New Zealand literature alike, 'The Expatriate Myth' redefines our comprehension of national literature, showcasing the complex interplay between belonging, identity, and creativity. With 242 pages and dimensions of 150 x 230 mm, this must-read is perfect for anyone interested in the intricate connections between locale and literature. Uncover the stories that shaped New Zealand's literary landscape and gain a new perspective on the expatriate experience.

Author: Helen Bones Publisher: Otago University Press
Bind: paperback
Dimensions: 150 x 230 mm
Pages: 242
Publication Date: 20-02-2018

Many New Zealand writers in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century travelled extensively or lived overseas for a time, and they often led very interesting lives. The received wisdom is that they were forced to leave these colonial backblocks in search of literary inspiration and publishing opportunities. In The Expatriate Myth, Helen Bones presents a challenge to this conventional understanding, based on detailed historical and empirical research. Was it actually necessary for them to leave to find success? How prevalent was expatriatism among New Zealand writers? Did their experiences fit the usual tropes about expatriatism and exile? Were they fleeing an oppressive society lacking in literary opportunity? In the field of literary studies, scholars are often consumed with questions about ‘national’ literature and ‘what it means to be a New Zealander’. And yet many of New Zealand’s writers living overseas operated in a transnational way, taking advantage of colonial networks in a way that belies any notion of a single national allegiance. Most who left New Zealand, even if they were away for a time, continued to write about and interact with their homeland, and in many cases came back. In this fascinating and clear-sighted book, Helen Bones offers a fresh perspective on some hoary New Zealand literary chestnuts.