Book Review: The Post-war Novel and the Death of the Author by Arya Aryan

Abstract

Arya Aryan’s book The Post-war Novel and the Death of the Author (2020) presents a comprehensive exploration of diverse debates through extensive theoretical research and fiction analysis. The author’s central argument focusing on the “Death of the Author” debate's before and after effects provides profound insights about the contemporary understanding of the fiction writing and authorial practices. Beyond theoretical concepts, the book examines the underlying connection between fiction writing and theoretical approach, particularly regarding the author’s position. Aryan supports his arguments by referencing various critics and through examining some of the major writers such as Jorge Louis Borges, Samuel Beckett, Vladimir Nabokov, John Fowles, Salman Rushdie, including as well as female writers such as Sylvia Plath, Murial Spark and Doris Lessing. In this respect, the study encourages readers to scrutinise innovations in the author’s voice and text by considering earlier debates and evaluating their relevance in contemporary times. Thus, this review presents the theoretical coverage of the book by pointing to the major arguments of Aryan. While the review presents the arguments in the book, it aims at highlighting the major arguments and questions that the author directs to provide a rich understanding and innovative approach to the famous debate.