This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s senior fall editorial intern Dalal Daher. Find her on Instagram at @dalalllldaher. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you’ve taken an AP Literature class, perused a Barnes and Noble section in the U.S., or looked at the syllabus of most American literature classes, you may have noticed a common trend. The way we portray ‘classics’ of literature in the U.S. tends to be intensely Eurocentric: we praise authors like Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, Shakespeare rightly for their work, but fail to recognize similarly accomplished authors from other parts of the world. As someone who grew up in a multicultural environment, the disconnect between American classics in literature and global classics is hard to swallow.
When asked if you can name three classic authors who are non Anglocentric, you might draw a blank. So what is the reason behind this rampant Eurocentrism in U.S. literature, what are the consequences, and where should you start if you want to expand your knowledge base?
Part of the reason that in the U.S. specifically, we struggle with recognizing classics of all global origins is because Eurocentrism is ingrained in our school systems. The American AP English Literature and Composition reading list has an array of suggested authors, who are mostly white, therefore presenting a homogenous view on what classic literature that many students may not question. Especially if you don’t choose to study English or Literature in higher education, your main exposure to classic literature will be in school and largely delineated by what courses like the AP system view as important.
It may seem like Eurocentrism in school curriculums and literature classics is a niche issue, that doesn’t truly have any impact on our day-to-day lives. The issue with this is that it trains our minds to decenter other perspectives in favor of Eurocentrism, makes us think that the center of intellectualism, moral beliefs, and standards is not influenced by the rest of the world. In an era of globalization, championing a viewpoint that excludes voices from East Asia, Africa, and every other part of the world is harming the ability of non-Anglophone creatives to showcase their talent.
So how can you diversify your perspective, even if you’ve never really been exposed to multicultural literature or culture? Here are some accomplished authors, both cemented in classic global literature or consistent contemporary stars, that will freshen up your bookshelf and your favorite book list.
Nawal El Saadawi
Egyptian feminist writer Nawal El Saadawi is known for her works about the intersection of Islamic faith and women. Her impactful novel Woman at Point Zero about a female protagonist on death row for murder is a must-read and a truly unforgettable story.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
If you’ve never read a story from Colombian author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, you’re missing out on a captivating world of complex magical realism. The first Colombian to win a Nobel Prize, some notable works include One Hundred Years of Solitude and Love in the Time of Cholera.
Simone de Beauvoir
French author and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir is a trailblazing feminist writer whose social activism and works remain relevant today. Her seminal work The Second Sex describes the treatment of women across society and their oppression, and in the light of current global politics remains relevant.
Ngugi wa Thiong’o
Known as “East Africa’s leading novelist,” Ngugi wa Thiong’o is a Kenyan author whose short story The Upright Revolution: Or Why Humans Walk Upright is a renowned fable that has been translated into 100 languages. As a prolific author, he has written in formats from novels to short stories and plays.
Salman Rushdie
British-American author Sir Ahmed Salman Rushdie incorporates his Indian heritage and upbringing into his nuanced works that merge historical fiction with magical realism. With prominent works such as Midnight’s Children and The Satanic Verses, among other seminal publications, Rushdie is a renowned and necessary author to read.
Yoko Ogawa
Japanese author Yoko Ogawa, recipient of the Shirley Jackson Award, Yomiuri Prize, and Akutagawa Prize, is known for works such as The Housekeeper and the Professor. Having published over 50 fiction and nonfiction works, Ogawa is a prolific author whose work gently touches topics such as memory.
It may feel difficult or unnecessary to expand your definition of “classic literature,” but trust me, it’ll add a nuanced, well-rounded edge to your book collection and truly expand your horizon. The beauty of literature is that it opens a door to another world- so don’t let a narrow view on Eurocentric classics limit your tastes.
So, what is considered classic literature? What do you think should be added to the list? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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