An Interethnic Companion to Asian American Literature

This book provides a survey of literature by North American writers of Asian descent, both by national origins (Chinese, Filipino, Japanese, Korean, South Asian, Vietnamese) and by shared concerns. It introduces readers to the distinctive literary history of each group of writers and discusses issues that connect or divide these different groups. Part I provides a literary history of each constituent national group and underlines salient historical events that have affected its writing. Part II, addressing common racial issues such as nationalism, representation and crises of identity, explores the forces that bind, divide, and foster exchange between writers of diverse ethnic origins. The volume is intended to serve as both a guide and a reference work for scholars, teachers and students in Asian American studies, ethnic studies and American studies. In terms of breadth and depth of coverage it is the first of its kind.

• First survey of Asian American literature of this kind • Covers the literature comparatively and nationally • Can be used as a textbook

Contents

Re-reviewing Asian American literary studies King-Kok Cheung; Part I: 1. Chinese American literature Sau-ling Cynthia Wong; 2. Filipino American literature N. V. M. Gonzalez and Oscar V. Campomanes; 3. Japanese American literature Stan Yogi; 4. Korean American literature Elaine H. Kim; 5. South Asian American literature Ketu H. Katrak; 6. Vietnamese American literature Monique T. D. Truong; Part II: 7. Journalistic representations of Asian Americans and literary responses, 1910–20 Rachel C. Lee; 8. Postcolonialism, nationalism, and the emergence of Asian/Pacific American literatures Stephen H. Sumida; 9. Immigration and diaspora Shirley Geok-lin Lim; 10. Identity crisis and gender politics: reappropriating Asian American masculinity Jinqui Ling; 11. Blurring boundaries: Asian American literature as theory Donald C. Goellnicht.