A Certain Distance Questions of Identity and (Auto)biography in the Work of Janet Malcolm
A Certain Distance Questions of Identity and (Auto)biography in the Work of Janet Malcolm
Author(s): Václav KyllarSubject(s): Cultural history, Studies of Literature, Ethics / Practical Philosophy, Comparative Study of Literature, Czech Literature, American Literature, Sociology of Literature
Published by: Univerzita Karlova v Praze - Filozofická fakulta, Vydavatelství
Keywords: Janet Malcolm; Czech anglophone literature; life-writing; biography; autobiography; photography; long-form journalism; migration; memory
Summary/Abstract: This article analyses the major works of Janet Malcolm, with a focus on how her migrant origins from Czechoslovakia shaped her narrative voice and approach to writing. Situating her within the contexts of both the New York literary scene and Czech anglophone literature, it explores recurring themes of identity, truth, ethics, and the limitations of non-fiction storytelling. It also reflects on the challenges of autobiography and the hybrid nature of Malcolm’s work, and considers her place within Czech anglophone literature.
Journal: Svět literatury
- Issue Year: XXXVI/2026
- Issue No: Special
- Page Range: 102-116
- Page Count: 15
- Language: English
