Sina Farzin, Susan M. Gaines and Roslynn D. Haynes, Under the Literary Microscope: Science and Society in the Contemporary Novel (Pennsylvania: Penn State University Press, 2021) 220 pp. $99.95 Hb. $34.95 Pb. ISBN: 9780271089782
Under the Literary Microscope: Science and Society in the Contemporary Novel is a new collection of essays by Farzin, Gaines and Haynes which examines the narratives engaging deeply with scientific themes. A complex interplay predominantly informs the public imagination of the science embedded in modern life of social hierarchies, lived experiences, cultural totems, and information derived from both scientific and non-scientific discourses rather than through formal science education. These multi-layered influences highlight the nuanced nature of scientific understanding, suggesting that individuals synthesize diverse elements to construct their knowledge of scientific concepts and practices. Consequently, the role of science communication is often minimal compared to the diverse ways individuals engage with and interpret scientific information within their sociocultural contexts. The emergence of science-based literary fiction—commonly referred to as ‘lab lit’, ‘science in fiction’, or ‘literature and science’—has become a significant recent cultural phenomenon. The introduction highlights that this literary movement provides detailed, in-depth narration and explanation of actual scientific research practices of multiple time periods. The work features representations of scientists’ lives in their professional surroundings, highlighting the importance of integrating scientific discourse within the literary background and enriching the public understanding of scientific inquiry and its societal implications.
The literary contributions of authors such as Ian McEwan, Richard Powers, Barbara Kingsolver, and Margaret Atwood facilitate a critical examination regarding scientific knowledge production and propagation. According to the editors, this collection explores the public imagination surrounding this creative space, focusing on novels investigating contemporary science’s complex institutions and practices. It also addresses the vivid economic, political, educational, social and moral factors influencing these practices and the knowledge produced. This approach highlights the significance of literature in fostering a nuanced understanding of the intersection between science and society.
The collection Under the Literary Microscope features ten essays (alongside an introduction) authored by scholars with interdisciplinary expertise spanning literary studies, sociology, science policy, and science communication, among others. This work is organized into a tripartite structure designed to investigate the intricate relationships among science, society, and fiction from multiple perspectives. The first section offers a foundational overview of the literary and sociological frameworks pertinent to the discourse on science. The penultimate section examines how external factors influence scientific work and knowledge through the lens of literary fiction. The final section addresses the societal consequences of scientific endeavours. By adopting this structure, the collection presents a comprehensive examination of the emerging trend of literary fiction that engages with scientific themes.
The initial section provides critical insights into how fictional representations of science reflect its organizational evolution. The transition from individual labour to collective, often corporate, production is a central theme, revealing how contemporary literature grapples with the changing nature of scientific work. One notable chapter discusses the enduring stereotypes associated with scientists, juxtaposing traditional depictions with modern portrayals of scientists as heroic figures. This analysis underscores a significant cultural shift, suggesting that ‘public discourse has finally recognized that science is an integral part of society rather than the prerogative and product of isolated geniuses and madmen’ (71). Such insights illuminate the evolving societal understanding of science’s role, moving beyond romanticized notions of individual genius to acknowledge scientific inquiry’s collaborative and societal dimensions.
The collection’s second section deepens this exploration by illustrating how character-driven narratives cultivate empathy for scientists. These narratives depict scientists as intricately woven into complex political, social, and economic dynamics that increasingly shape their research endeavours. The section introduces the concept of ‘projective realism’, a framework that examines the implications of the economization of science. Margaret Atwood’s speculative fiction is prominently highlighted, illustrating its significant contribution to discussions about the societal role of science. Furthermore, a feminist perspective emerges, focusing on the representation of women scientists in literature. These narratives offer personalized accounts that reflect the pervasive sexism and bias female scientists face, enriching the discourse on gender and science within contemporary fiction. Ultimately, this section emphasizes literary representations’ critical role in enhancing public understanding of the multifaceted challenges scientists encounter in today’s society.
While the third section contains compelling contributions, restructuring its organization might improve overall coherence. For instance, the chapter discussing the historical development of science fiction as ‘visions of a world changed by science’ (195) could be more effectively integrated with discussions from the first section. Similarly, a chapter focusing on unruly bio-objects, exemplified by works like Jurassic Park, might resonate more powerfully with topics from the second section. Such reorganization would allow the concluding chapter to serve as a fitting transition from textual analysis to a critical examination of the reader’s engagement with the narratives. This shift would underscore the reader’s active role in interpreting and deriving meaning from the complex interplay of science and fiction, thereby enriching the discourse on the societal implications of scientific representation in literature. Furthermore, the notion of the ‘Two Cultures’, originally articulated by C.P. Snow, calls for re-evaluation. This dichotomy should have been transcended rather than perpetuated in academic and media discourse. Instead of adhering to Snow’s simplistic classification, a more fruitful framework incorporates the interplay among science, society, and the humanities. This approach recognizes the intricate relationships between these domains, allowing for a nuanced understanding of their interconnectedness. When appropriate, this framework can further encompass culture, art, and literature, fostering a comprehensive dialogue that transcends the limitations of traditional binaries and enhances discussions on the role of science in society.
In conclusion, Under the Literary Microscope effectively explores the creative space created by science novels, establishing a vital interdisciplinary framework. By analysing these narratives, the collection illuminates diverse perspectives on the intricate relationship between science and society, enhancing our understanding of how science is represented in literature. The volume serves both as an introduction to this emerging field of study and a significant contribution to the ongoing investigation of the interplay among science, society, and fiction. Ultimately, it encourages a multifaceted dialogue that engages various academic disciplines, fostering a richer comprehension of the cultural dynamics that shape public perceptions of scientific inquiry.
Vaibhav Pathak,Dept. of Higher Education, Himachal Pradesh, India
