Political Novel and Class Distinctions

The workshop held at the Faculty of Polish and Classical Philology aimed to explore how the political novel recognizes, narrates, and theorizes class distinctions – from economic and social experience through political subjectivities to mechanisms of exclusion and avenues of mobility. Discussions covered both canonical approaches and innovative narrative forms challenging entrenched hierarchies, addressing themes such as labour and precarity, education, class shame, and the aftershocks of economic crises.

A special highlight of the event was the visit of Craig Jordan-Baker, our special guest and author of the novel Brick Dust (2025). Participants had the opportunity to attend a dedicated author meeting with the writer, where he discussed the themes of family, memory, and class struggle depicted in his latest work. Additionally, as part of the workshop's outreach activities, Craig Jordan-Baker held an inspiring meeting with students at the St. Mary Magdalene High School (Liceum Ogólnokształcące św. Marii Magdaleny) in Poznań, engaging the youth in a dialogue about contemporary literature and creative writing.

The event was streamed via the Adam Mickiewicz University YouTube channel and will contribute to upcoming CAPONEU publications.