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Title DETOURNEMENT OF SEDUCTIVE SPACES: URBAN RENEWAL AMIDST GENTRIFICATION IN NAIMA COSTER’S HALSEY STREET AND LISA BRAXTON’S THE TALKING DRUM

Author(s) Fakhar-Ul-Hasnain Fatimi

Abstract Title: Détournement of Seductive Spaces: Urban Renewal Amidst Gentrification in Naima Coster’s Halsey Street and Lisa Braxton’s The Talking Drum The present study focuses on how the process of gentrification disrupts the spatial structures, economic equilibrium and community-centric cultural development that are often considered paramount for an inclusive and vibrant urban space. The novels selected for the scrutiny are Halsey Street (2018) by Naima Coster and The Talking Drum (2020) by Lisa Braxton. The gentrified spaces are aestheticized and as put by Christoph Lindner Gerard F. Sandoval, are converted into ―seductive spaces‖, that offer trendy establishments and a renewed urban ambiance. However, the detrimental effects brought by gentrification are always lurking behind, which shatter economic equilibrium, spatial structures, and inclusivity. The afore-mentioned novels have been scrutinized under the lens of the theoretical framework expounded out of Christoph Lindner and Gerard F. Sandoval‘s book Aesthetics of Gentrification: Seductive Spaces and Exclusive Communities in the Neoliberal City (2021), integrating it with Jane Jacobs‘ The Death and Life of Great American Cities (1961), who serves as the second key theorist. Christoph Lindner and Gerard F. Sandoval are co-authors of this book and give a survey about how embellishment of gentrified spaces takes place, resulting in their conversion into seductive spaces. Meanwhile, Jane Jacobs proposes the urban planning fundamentals and the features of urban spaces that are cardinal to cater the needs of its residents, and for the creation of a vibrant and inclusive urban space. The research aims to unearth the adversities brought by gentrification, and the attempt to mask them through the process of aestheticization, by carrying out the textual analysis of the selected texts. This research aims to contribute to a deeper understanding of gentrification's societal implications through literary lenses, informing future scholarly discussions and critiques of urban development.

Type Thesis/Dissertation

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Department English

Language English

Publication Date 2025-02-28

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