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This book is an exploration of the literary representation of survival and coping strategies during times of socio-political and economic crisis. It investigates how fiction captures the innovative and resilient ways used by the people inhabiting harsh environs during tempestuous, dystopian and trying times; and how they manage to live with hope and positivity through innovation, serendipity and proteanism. The author applied a literary approach informed by three theoretical frameworks - resilience, trauma and chronotope theory. The book contributes to the creation and dissemination of novel and nuanced knowledge on literary theory which coheres with practical issues faced by people; and it challenges often touted Afro-pessimisms. It also contributes to the body of knowledge which seeks to recognise the creative potential of disadvantaged people, as it recognises the innovativeness, malleability, and agency of the ordinary people as represented through fiction.This is a must read for optimists, Afro-bibliophiles, innovators, dreamers, peace lovers, literary theorists, motivational speakers and anyone who has faced and wants to cope with a crisis at a personal or national level.

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Dr Nelson Mlambo is a lecturer, academic and researcher specialising in Literature and Communication. He has a PhD in English, Masters of Arts in English and is pursuing a Masters in Intercultural Communication. Dr Mlambo has published two books: The Paradox of Modernisation in African Literature and Familial Relations in the Economics of Slavery.

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