Narratives of Estrangement and Belonging

Literature of any nation cannot be studied in isolation. It must be read, studied, examined and evaluated with respect to socio-political and economic environment in which it breeds as well as the historical events which precede it. Australian literature today, too,exemplars this concept. For the Aboriginals it is self-representation that has allowed them to speak with their own voices their connection (belonging) and dis-connection (estrangement) with their land instead of being spoken about. The white settler writers struggle with the issues of conflict and contradiction between Britain and Australia and the extensive diaspora writers have traces of longing and belongings. The contemporary Australian literature, thus, reflects varied shades of living in Australia. To understand this through nostalgia, memory, alienation and belonging remains a central concern in this volume. This book makes a significant contribution to the field ofIndo-Australian Studies so as to facilitate a better comprehension of Australian literature to Indian scholars and perceptions of Indian readers to Australian academics.