JOURNAL ARTICLE

On the Margins of Genre(s): Eva Stachniak's Bestselling Novels as Archival Fantasies.

  • Published In: International Journal of Canadian Studies, 2025, v. 63. P. 5 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Drewniak, Dagmara 3 of 3

Abstract

This article analyzes Eva Stachniak's fictionalized biographies as examples of "archival fantasies," a genre term she coined to describe her unique blend of biography, biofiction, and historical novel. Stachniak, a Polish-born Canadian writer, uses extensive archival research combined with imaginative narrative to explore the lives of historical women connected to Central and Eastern Europe, emphasizing themes such as migration, identity, power, and female agency. Her works, including *The Chosen Maiden*, illustrate how archival materials serve as a foundation for creative storytelling that balances factual history with authorial invention, positioning her novels on the margins of traditional biographical literature. This approach expands the boundaries of biographical fiction by foregrounding women's voices and experiences while engaging with broader cultural and historical issues.

Additional Information

  • Source:International Journal of Canadian Studies. 2025/09, Vol. 63, p5
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Literature and Writing
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:1180-3991
  • DOI:10.3138/ijcs-2025-0002
  • Accession Number:189288603
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of International Journal of Canadian Studies is the property of University of Toronto Press and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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