How does speculative fiction and magical realism by an exiled Uzbek journalist and writer link classical Persian poetry to Artificial Intelligence, or Islamic philosophy to Muslims in the former Soviet Union? In Islam and Contemporary World Literature , Carool Kersten explores how and why a vast range of contemporary international authors, intellectuals and activists write fiction that engages prominently with Islamic themes and thought. Featuring works spanning Asia, Africa and North America, this book engages with themes ranging from intercultural exchange and political encounters to the connection between religion, identity and violence in different parts of the Muslim world. It offers a world-historical perspective on Islam in cultural and political domains from pre-modern times to the present day.