This lecture makes the case for the importance of context for understanding Latin American literature. Much of my research has been motivated by a single underlying question: Why do some Latin American texts become classics while others, often those written by women authors, are overlooked or undervalued? It has been argued that ‘classics’ are simply better-quality texts, but I maintain that the context in which literature is produced, circulated and received is fundamental to explaining these differing fortunes. In stressing the importance of context, it may be said that I am suggesting a kind of conspiracy that works in favour of some authors and against others. This lecture, however, considers context not as conspiracy but as opportunity because contexts can be changed.

Alongside her work on canon formation and women’s writing she has worked with Dr Jane E. Lavery (University of Southampton) studying the ways in which women in Latin America are using digital technologies to reach new audiences and to produce new types of multimedia cultural production. She is one of a team of editors working on the recently commissioned Palgrave Handbook of Digital Latin American Studies.

Sarah is the current Vice President of the Society for Latin American Studies (SLAS), a member of the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) Peer Review College and Hispanic Studies Section Editor for the journal Modern Languages Open.

The lecture will be recorded and available to view online shortly after the event.

The Council Chamber is located on the first-floor of the Lanyon Building and is accessed via the staircase next to the main entrance.

Access via the lift in the Welcome Centre can be made available on request, please contact Maria Meehan (m.meehan@qub.ac.uk)