Risk and the English Novel

The book examines the intersection of the English novel and the concept of risk, tracing its evolution from late seventeenth-century probability theory to the contemporary global 'risk society.' By analyzing 29 novels from authors like Defoe and McEwan, it highlights the human concerns surrounding safety, control, and uncertainties. The narrative explores how characters navigate the complexities of risk, balancing rational thought with emotional responses, and reveals broader themes of chance, responsibility, and societal fears, moving beyond traditional dystopian narratives.