Rebellious daughters, sisters and wives : non-conforming women in South Asian diaspora fiction

This dissertation explores how identity is defined in contemporary South Asian diaspora fiction with an emphasis on female protagonists who rebel against traditional expectations of their familial roles. Drawing from a range of critical studies and fictional narratives, I explore the narrative shifts that occur when these daughters, sisters and wives reject patriarchal ownership in their bid for individuality. The dissertation comprises two main components: an extract of an original work of fiction written by me, and a critical exegesis that contextualises my fiction. My creative work is a novel titled The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters. The novel follows three British-Indian sisters on a pilgrimage to Punjab, India to fulfill their late mother’s last wishes and perform her final rites. My critical exegesis will explore the relevant themes and ideas that contributed to the creation of this narrative. Chapter One is an analysis of women’s roles in Indian migrant success narratives. Chapter Two explores how minority characters and stories are represented in Western publishing. Chapter Three reflects on the process of writing and researching The Unlikely Adventures of the Shergill Sisters.Doctor of Philosoph