Review of Speculative Wests: Popular Representations of a Region and Genre (Postwestern Horizons) by Shelley S. Rees
When I stumbled across Speculative Wests by Shelley S. Rees, I was immediately drawn in by the idea of "changeling westerns." The innovative concept of integrating the rugged American West with speculative genres—science fiction, fantasy, and beyond—spoke to my curiosity about how traditional narratives evolve in today’s landscape. I often find myself pondering how classic stories can be reimagined to resonate with contemporary issues. Rees deftly explores this intersection, leading us on a fascinating journey that expands both our understanding of the Western genre and our imaginations.
In Speculative Wests, Rees investigates a variety of media, from literature to television, honing in on texts that reframe the Wild West with speculative twists. Key works analyzed include Justina Ireland’s zombie-infested California in Deathless Divide and Rebecca Roanhorse’s futuristic Navajo nation in Sixth World. These examples not only highlight the genre’s adaptability but also spotlight issues of race, sexuality, and trauma—important conversations often missed in traditional Western narratives. I particularly appreciated how Rees confronts these topics head-on, urging readers to reconsider the implications of historical narratives and their modern retellings.
One of the book’s strengths lies in its analytical depth. The essays are rich and thought-provoking, prompting readers (including myself) to delve deeper into the genre’s layers. I found myself reflecting on how these speculative elements serve as commentary on social justice, identity, and the very fabric of our realities. There’s a rewarding intellectual challenge in unpacking Rees’s insights, which made for an engaging reading experience. However, I did find a surprising amount of space given to plot recaps—much more than I anticipated. While informative, they occasionally felt a bit overwhelming, yet they also sparked my curiosity about the referenced works, prompting me to seek out a few for myself.
Rees’s writing style is both accessible and scholarly, making complex ideas digestible without losing their nuance. The pacing felt balanced, allowing me to marinate on the ideas presented while also keeping me engaged. A standout moment for me was Rees’s exploration of the temporal and geographic borderlands in Alfredo Véa’s The Mexican Flyboy. The way she connects past, present, and speculative future had me pondering not just narrative but the very nature of our existence within time and space.
Speculative Wests is an essential read for anyone intrigued by the evolving nature of the Western genre. It holds particular value for educators, students, and scholars looking to engage in contemporary discussions about literature, culture, and identity. With its fresh perspectives and critical insights, this book will encourage readers to rethink the narratives we take for granted and inspire us to envision new possibilities.
Ultimately, my experience with Speculative Wests was both enlightening and enjoyable. It broadened my understanding of genre hybridity and left me eager to explore the titles Rees celebrated. If you’re someone who admires speculative fiction or has a soft spot for Westerns, this book could be a gateway to not just new stories but new ways of thinking about the stories we tell.