This book presents a vivid portrayal of an apocalyptic and catastrophic future, focussing on the consequences of humanity’s misuse of natural resources through the lens of ecocriticism. Compromising ten chapters, the book explores the concept of the ecological crisis as depicted in contemporary literature, particularly in novels and theatrical plays. The chapters feature works from British, American, and Canadian literature by scholars offering fresh perspectives on ecocriticism. Each part examines humanity’s survival stories set in contemporary contexts, often within the genres of science fiction and apocalyptic fiction, serving as warnings about a potentially devastating future. The book underscores the catastrophic outcomes and potential of chaos that could arise from humanity’s exploitation of natural resources. As the chapters unfold, these diverse scholarly contributions raise awareness of a global issue while illuminating the interconnected fates of nature, society, and humanity underscoring the urgent need for change before this impending crisis becomes a harsh reality.

Magical realism is an appropriate genre for the authors dealing with problematic themes such as memory because it is practical for those seeking for answers to these problematic questions that cannot be solved with empirical attitudes. In The Buried Giant, Ishiguro handles the chaotic nature of memory creating a primitive version of Britain where people’s memories are covered by a magical mist. This spell has an effect not only on individuals such as Axl and Beatrice, but also on the two ethnic groups, the Saxons and the Britons, making them forget the former enmity between them. In this regard, referring to the theoretical background of magical realism, this book aims to analyse the magical realist elements of the novel that enables Ishiguro to discuss the effects of memory loss on individuals and societies.