A New Kind of 'Illness Realism'
Briefly

The article discusses how illness has historically influenced literature, highlighting Hanif Kureishi's transformative experience after becoming paraplegic at 68. Initially complacent, Kureishi reignited his writing passion amidst his recovery, resulting in a collection of essays titled 'Shattered'. It draws comparisons to Virginia Woolf’s 'On Being Ill', emphasizing how sickness enables writers to explore profound truths. This interplay of personal struggle and literary expression showcases the nuanced relationship between an author's experiences and their creative output, illustrating how literature reflects the realities of human suffering and resilience.
Kureishi's injury forced him into creative urgency; his new book Shattered encapsulates powerful reflections from his first year of immobility, redefining illness in literature.
Virginia Woolf's insights in On Being Ill highlight that illness allows authors a unique perspective, forging a connection between pain and literature’s essence.
Read at The Atlantic
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