Author: Christine Velde

Xenotropism and the Awakening of Literary Expatriatism through Writing Memoir

eBook: US $29 Special Offer (PDF + Printed Copy): US $84
Printed Copy: US $69
Library License: US $116
ISBN: 978-1-68108-284-4 (Print)
ISBN: 978-1-68108-283-7 (Online)
Year of Publication: 2016
DOI: 10.2174/97816810828371160101

Introduction

Although there have been many discussions about challenges faced by individuals going through East to West migrations, there are few literary accounts about those moving from the West to the East. Yet these migrations are becoming more frequent now due to advances in technology and the fact that a writer’s work can now involve an increasingly global audience. One way of expressing these challenges is through writing memoirs.

Xenotropism and the Awakening of Literary Expatriatism through Writing Memoir exemplifies the craft of memoirs written while living in a foreign country and explains how this is different from writing from home. The book is a theoretical analysis of xenotropism based on the work of three prominent writers in China’s history: Emily Hahn, Nien Cheng and Qiu Xiaolong. The author explores the relationship between xenotropism (turning towards foreign ideals and practices), its complexities and challenges, and the writing of a memoir and its impact on mental health.

This discourse will contribute to new knowledge in the field of creative writing and Asian studies by illustrating how xenotropism or ‘turning towards foreign ideals and practices’ results in both personal and artistic development and builds an understanding and acceptance of different cultures within an individual. These processes of change and understanding, in turn, facilitate the writing of a memoir, which is a cathartic process having a positive effect on one’s mental state. Readers interested in creative writing or Asian literary studies will be able to understand the creative process behind writing memoirs from a combination of personal, research-based, literary and theoretical perspectives.

Foreword

On “Turning to the Foreign”

This book is about foreignness and about different kinds of separation from one’s home country. It provides an in-depth theoretical analysis of xenotropism and illustrates its features and challenges.

So how do we understand xenotropism or “turning to the foreign” better? This book provides many answers through an analysis of three prominent writers in Chinese history: Emily Hahn, Nien Cheng and Qiu Xiaolong. It also examines critical literary sources such as memoirs by writers in the East and the West.

Further, this book illustrates that xenotropism can result in both personal and artistic development. Why then do so few people take risks to live and work in a foreign country? Is it simply because it means leaving one’s home, friends and lifestyles or is it much more complex than this? Yet the benefits like being able to take advantage of new opportunities and acquiring an understanding and acceptance of different cultures far outweigh any losses. It is through taking risks that one learns, grows and fully comes into being.

The experience of xenotropism when perceived as a cathartic process can also initiate memoir-writing and have positive benefits for mental health. Although there have been discussions about the challenges faced through East to West migrations, the literature about West to East migrations is meagre. Yet these are becoming more frequent now due to the advances of technology and the fact that people’s work increasingly involves a global role. There is a general tendency in the West to focus on historic events and lives. This book, through its exploration of expatriates’ lives in the East, deviates from this and in doing so, provides an important contribution to the field of creative writing.

Xenotropism or “turning to the foreign,” results in the ability to see things from different perspectives or through “new windows.” It is through xenotropism that a person can move from being bound up in their own culture and tradition towards becoming a global citizen. This book exemplifies the craft of memoir written through living in a foreign country and explains how this is different from writing from home.

This book is a rich collection of personal, research-based, literary and theoretical perspectives on what it takes and what it means to actually turn to the foreign. It points beyond itself in that it makes you see things you have not seen before, understand the nature of foreignness within yourself and forms valuable links with the craft of the memoir. I am pleased to be able to recommend it to you.


Brian Castro
Creative Writing Faculty of Arts
School of Humanities
University of Adelaide
South Australia