Circles of Memory : Decolonial Hermeneutics of Memory and Representations of Trauma in Radwa Ashour’s Novels

Abstract

Fictional representations of memory and traumatic experiences occupy a crucial space in contemporary literary studies. However, while empirical analysis of these two themes is flourishing beyond their traditional subjects and is enriched by studies examining narratives of memory and trauma in relation to post-colonial contexts (Craps, 2013; Ward, 2015), the theory continues to be euro-centric, revealing a substantial lack of awareness of cultural diversity. Moreover, critics argue against approaching memory as a standalone discipline (Gensburger, 2016) and go as far as anticipating its “soft landing” due to the current saturation with memory, suggesting changing the focus to the present and the future (Rosenfeld, 2009). Decolonial epistemology challenges mainstream trauma and memory studies, expanding their focus beyond Western contexts (Vissar, 2015). This research contributes to the endeavour of decolonizing trauma and memory studies, through an in-depth analysis of four novels by the Egyptian writer Radwa Ashour (1964-2014): Granada (2003, orig. Arabic, Thulatheyyat Gheranata, 1998), The Woman from Tantoura (2014, orig. Arabic, Al-Tantoureyah 2010), Blue Lorries (2014, orig. Arabic, Faraj, 2008) and Specters (2010, orig.Arabic, Atyaf, 1999). My analysis addresses three main questions: 1) Why is it still important to study cultural memory and investigate traumatic histories despite the criticism and calls to move beyond these concepts? 2) What alternative approaches to canonical trauma theory and Western theories of memory are possible when interpreting literary works? 3) Can traumatic experiences and memories of suffering be viewed as positive forces for self-preservation and resilience and help overcome the pathological stigma? To answer these questions, I rely on critical historiography studies (Nora, 1989; Assmann, 2008), psychoanalytical theory (Abraham and Torok, 1994), social theory (Foucault, 1977; Alexander, 2013) and cultural studies (Said, 1984; Spivak, 1988), and I contribute to the scholarship in the fields of memory and trauma studies by proposing “Circles of Memory” as an alternative approach to understanding memory in postcolonial contexts. In this model I build on Assmann’s concept of transnational memory and Erll’s concept of traveling memory to suggest a visualization of memory that is dynamic and interactive, traveling through temporal and special spheres, affected by representation and reception. I also suggest that traumatic experiences can be integrated into individual and collective identities to achieve self-affirmation and promote solidarity among people with traumatic histories. In the field of literary studies, this study contributes to positioning Radwa Ashour’s major works in the broader field of trauma narratives and representations of memory, a space where Arab literary experiences are often neglected, and it shows that shifting the field of observation can produce innovative theories.