The detective fiction, as one of the most engaging genres of literature, occupies a significant place in the literary traditions of various cultures. Since its emergence in the 19th century, the genre has evolved under the influence of diverse social, cultural, and historical contexts. This study examines the evolution of the detective genre through a comparative analysis of Kazakh, Polish, and Western literary traditions, highlighting the interplay of cultural uniqueness and universal trends. In Western literature, pioneers such as Edgar Allan Poe and Arthur Conan Doyle laid the foundations of the detective genre by introducing canonical elements such as the logical investigator and methodical crime-solving. Later, during the Golden Age of detective fiction, writers like Agatha Christie refined these conventions, emphasizing the intellectual puzzle. In contrast, the emergence of the hard-boiled tradition, represented by authors such as Dashiell Hammett and Raymond Chandler, shifted the genre toward psychological depth and more pronounced social critique. In Polish literature, the genre gained prominence in the 20th century and continues to evolve, reflecting socio-political themes through various historical lenses. Contemporary authors such as Marek Krajewski and Zygmunt Miłoszewski, who gained popularity in the 21st century, write historical detective fiction set in earlier periods, including socialist Poland, intertwining psychological and political narratives that showcase the genre’s adaptability to complex socio-political landscapes. Kazakh literature, though a later entrant to the detective tradition, integrates national identity, ethical values, and oral storytelling traditions, as seen in the works of Kemel Tokayev and other contemporary writers. This comparative analysis demonstrates that while the core purpose of the detective genre – seeking justice and uncovering the truth – remains consistent across cultures, each national context inflects this aim differently, reflecting distinct social concerns, moral codes, and narrative strategies. However, its expression varies across cultures, reflecting distinct social, philosophical, and historical nuances. The study also highlights the influence of globalization and cultural dialogue, as Kazakh and Polish authors adapt Western methodologies while preserving national distinctiveness.
This article probes the demonstration of heroism, defection and the liminality of freedom in Eddie Iroh’s The Siren in the Night, a fictional narrative that recreates the human and political intricacies of the Nigeria-Biafra War. The study, moreover, interrogates how the protagonist represents the fragile boundaries between patriotism and betrayal, and its psychological consequences. Iroh does not only examine the moral uncertainties of war where individuals are torn between loyalty and personal freedom but also explores the psychological transformation of an individual whose actions during the war differentiated him both as a hero and liminal figure. In other words, the novel paradoxically embodies a heroic character that also became a liminal figure. Critics of Iroh’s novel seem to have ignored this status contradiction. In narrowing this gap, therefore, this article contends that Iroh’s The Siren in the Night explores the liminal condition of a hero psychologically wounded as a result of his defection to the federal side towards the end of the Nigerian-Biafran war, an experience that subtly confines the protagonist at the frontiers of insanity. Focusing on the configuration of Kali Tal’s trauma theory of liminality, the paper offers an analysis of the novel to demonstrate that the hero, traumatized by the war encounters, notwithstanding his heroic deeds, finds it difficult to resume his normal life after the war. It surmises that this character finds himself trapped at the margins of liminality becoming a problem not only to him but also to society at large.
This article examines the Sibylls, religious poems found in the work "Çeta e Profetëve" by Pjetër Bogdani, one of the most significant figures in Albanian literature. Bogdani, known as the first author of original prose in the Albanian language during the period of Old Albanian literature, brought a noticeable change to the literary landscape of his time. He created a new dimension for Albanian literature and a stylistic approach that marked an important turning point in its development. Until that period, Albanian literature was primarily a reflection of translations and adaptations from other languages. However, with this work, Bogdani offered an entirely original form of writing, deeply connected to the traditions and culture of the time. This achievement marked an important step in the further development of Albanian literature, giving it a unique identity and artistic depth that continues to enrich and inspire to this day.The Sibylls in "Çeta e Profetëve" serve as a powerful expressive tool to convey the thoughts and values that Bogdani seeks to communicate. They are not merely mythological figures, but rather serve as a deep connection between religion, philosophy, the Albanian language, and its culture, reflecting a profound passion for the traditions of the time. Through an artistic and emotional language, the Sibylls communicate messages that intertwine with nature, culture, and religion, creating a strong link to national identity. In this sense, Bogdani's Sibylls are not just part of the text, but serve as a medium to deliver a powerful message about the spirit and values of the Albanian people, giving them a new, rich, and timeless form.
The realities of African women remain a central concern in human rights discussions within Francophone African literature, as women continue to pursue their struggle for a dignified presence in social spaces and seeking solutions rooted in their cultural realities. This study explores how motherhood becomes a space of feminist resistance against patriarchal norms in Dear Ijeawele: A Feminist Manifesto in Fifteen Suggestions by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2017), using the theoretical framework of Amazonian feminism, which is anchored in African traditions that value collective memory, community resilience, and intergenerational solidarity. In a context where colonial and patriarchal legacies shape social structures, Adichie’s text, through its fifteen educational suggestions, transforms parenting into a tool of resistance and transmission of transformative values. Through a critical discourse analysis, this research demonstrates how Adichie deconstructs normative gender roles while proposing a feminist pedagogy adapted to African contexts. Drawing on the works of Oyèrónkẹ́ Oyěwùmí, Amina Mama, and Ifi Amadiume, this study highlights motherhood as a political act embodying decolonial agency. It situates Dear Ijeawele within the continuity of African feminist texts such as So Long a Letter by Mariama Bâ and I, Tituba: Black Witch of Salem by Maryse Condé, demonstrating how feminist parenting contributes to dismantling patriarchal structures while fostering equity and shared parental care. All citations from the manifesto refer to the official French translation.
