Book Review of Literature and the Experience of Globalization: Texts Without Borders by Svend Erik Larsen. London: Bloomsbury Publishing, 19 October 2017. PP. 323. Hardback £108.00, ISBN 9781350007567

Abstract

In the contemporary world, where identities are in a constant flux and technology is accelerating at a rapid speed, we may often feel as though we have endless freedom in our lives. This sentiment is further strengthened by the advent of globalisation, which has brought us together globally. Yet, in this worldwide trend, we need to pause and reflect—what is happening to our close family relations in the mix of globalisation and technology? Does globalisation leave us as faceless, mere spectators, or can we still enjoy real and sustainable relationships despite all the changes it brings?

Writing in Literature and the Experience of Globalisation: Text Without Borders, Svend Erik Larsen (2017) concludes that literature plays a crucial role in coming to terms with the complex influence of globalisation on human life. Not only does it represent cross-border experiences, but it also demonstrates the interconnectedness of culture, identity, memory, and everyday life, beyond its economic and political contexts (p. 1). However, Larsen also poses an important question: is there a possibility of literature being able to illustrate the extreme realities that are so fractured by globalisation? Although he points out the roles of experience, knowledge, and communication as cornerstones of cultural structures in determining the production and reception of literary texts (p. 41), his argument leaves room for interrogation. How might literature, in some cases, reinforce the very power structures it critiques? Could it do more than reflect—perhaps even catalyse resistance against the inequalities globalisation creates? A more robust analysis would include texts that expose literature’s complicity in global hierarchies as well as its potential to inspire transformative action.