Description
Discover a groundbreaking analysis of social mobility in contemporary French literature with 'On Both Sides of the Tracks' by Morgane Cadieu. This insightful book, published by The University of Chicago Press in 2024, delves deep into the lives of characters known as 'parvenants'—those who traverse social classes while navigating the complexities of their identity. Social climbers have long captivated readers and serve as critical lenses through which we can examine our own societal structures. By focusing on recent French novels and autobiographies, Cadieu examines the dynamic narratives of popular authors such as Annie Ernaux, Kaoutar Harchi, Michel Houellebecq, Édouard Louis, and Marie NDiaye. Each story unveils the struggle and emancipation experienced by these characters, illuminating the formal literary problem of upward mobility. 'On Both Sides of the Tracks' is not only a literary critique but a powerful commentary on the quest for identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world. Engage with themes of social class, literary forms, and personal journeys that resonate with readers searching for meaning in today's society. This book is an essential addition for scholars of contemporary literature, students of sociology, and anyone interested in the complex interplay of class and narrative in the modern age.