The Intricate Tapestry of Family and Identity in Leila Slimani's Latest Work
Today, I am excited to delve into the captivating narratives crafted by three distinct authors, each of whom has received prestigious accolades and stands out on the global literary stage. First, let us turn our attention to the concluding volume of a deeply personal and autobiographical trilogy about a Moroccan family, penned by the French-Moroccan author Leila Slimani, born in 1981 in Rabat. Slimani is celebrated for her novel "Then Sleep Also You," which earned her the esteemed "Prix Goncourt." Having thoroughly enjoyed and discussed the preceding volumes, I was eager to explore this latest installment set in the 1980s, where the protagonist now resides in Paris as a writer. Following a diagnosis of 'Brain Fog' post-COVID, she returns to her childhood homeland, which she had left as a young woman seeking freedom and independence. This latest volume continues the family's story, weaving together the lives of her affluent grandparents with their lemon farm in Meknes, the modern aspirations of her father—a successful banker—and her mother, a dedicated gynecologist. The narrative also reflects on the lives of her two daughters, Mia and Ines, the latter of whom now lives in London. A significant theme throughout the book is the tension between tradition and modernity, radical Islamism, and the democratic aspirations of contemporary Morocco. This overarching conflict intersects with the individual desires of the younger characters, who yearn for freedom, autonomy, and authentic self-expression. While brutal racism remains prevalent in Morocco, Mia finds solace in Paris, where she can finally embrace her homosexuality. She vows to her father to carry forward the fire that burns within her, echoing the choices made by her grandmother Mathilde and her mother Aisha, as they each carve their own paths. The narrative unfolds against a backdrop of societal upheaval and personal struggles, culminating in a dramatic twist when the father, once a successful banker with dreams of significant investments in his homeland, is falsely accused and imprisoned under dubious circumstances. The family's liberal facade begins to crumble as the Gulf War in 1991 further disrupts their once intellectually vibrant family life. This event, which Slimani herself cites as a catalyst for her writing, deeply impacts Mia as she returns to Morocco, feeling alienated and losing her sense of smell. Overall, this literary piece stands as a monumental work, rich with historical and personal nuances, blending humor, rage, and intellect. It is not a dusty, sentimental journey through old family photographs but rather an extraordinary exploration of pop culture and age-old traditions, intricately woven into the fabric of the family saga. Slimani’s masterful narrative weaves together social commentary, a Bildungsroman, and a coming-of-age story, reminiscent of the great masters of modern literature. This 'archaeology of the self' traverses the family's opulent history while simultaneously addressing themes of identity, self-liberation, and the struggle to disentangle oneself from the hatred of Islamists both at home and abroad, as well as the ignorance of the West. Did not her father, before she left for Paris, advise her: "Do not come back!" and "Defend your freedom, do not compromise!" This highly political book, brimming with personal stories, is an absolute page-turner and comes highly recommended!
As reported by unser-luebeck.de.
Dark Humor and Absurdity in László Krasznahorkai's Latest Novel
The next compelling story comes from the Hungarian author with the almost unpronounceable name, László Krasznahorkai, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 2025. His latest work, "Zsömle ist weg," is described as a delightfully humorous yet brutally cozy late-life creation. However, a word of caution: the initial reading experience may be quite challenging due to the author’s unique style, characterized by a relentless flow of words, thoughts, descriptions, and exceedingly long sentences that may leave readers feeling dizzy. Yet, do not be deterred; as you immerse yourself in the narrative, the aesthetic program reveals itself, encapsulated by Krasznahorkai’s own words: "Beauty in language. Fun in hell." The story follows the eccentric 93-year-old József Kada, who believes he is the legitimate heir to the extinct Arpad dynasty of 1301. He is purportedly sent out to restore order amidst the chaos of contemporary Hungary. The peculiar old man wishes to live a quiet life, much like his ancestors, but soon finds himself surrounded by a bizarre group of self-proclaimed supporters who view him as the last hope for Hungary, the nation, and the church in the wake of Orban's regime. Presenting himself as a wild storyteller and 'myth-spinner,' he concocts outrageous ideas that ultimately lead him into a psychiatric facility. While he is a lovable old eccentric with nationalistic beliefs, his motley crew of followers has other plans, concocting wild strategies for a coup. When far-right supporters of József bring forth a plan for an armed uprising, he becomes the center of national attention. Caught up in the fervor of the moment and his newfound royal status, he begins to portray himself as a descendant of Genghis Khan and a forgotten ruler. The absurdities of Beckett blend with the styles of James Joyce, Kafka's unsettling scenarios, and the humorous musings of Thomas Bernhard. Conspiracy theories collide with quirky characters, and apocalyptic themes meet comedy. Amidst this whirlwind, the humble life of the old man unravels, and Krasznahorkai skillfully unleashes a torrent of words, thoughts, intrigues, and the traditional Hungarian countryside life, showcasing his narrative prowess and verbal dexterity. Ultimately, the befuddled József and his beloved dog Zsömle are left with no choice but to escape through a window in the psychiatric ward.
In conclusion, this initially challenging amalgamation of endless words, often lacking punctuation, evolves into a delightful reading experience that dances on the edge of madness and reality, infused with humor and brilliant twists, reflecting a keen psychological insight and real-life echoes of contemporary Hungary under Orban and his corrupt associates. It is eccentric yet strangely worthwhile.
Abdulrazak Gurnah's Profound Exploration of Identity in "Theft"
The next remarkable storyteller I wish to introduce is Abdulrazak Gurnah, born in 1948 in the Sultanate of Zanzibar, who now resides and works in England as a professor of literature at the University of Kent. In 2021, Gurnah was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature after already publishing eleven highly acclaimed novels. His most recent work, titled "Theft," is set in Tanzania, specifically between Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam, and unfolds in the present day. The narrative revolves around three young individuals whose lives are intricately intertwined. Karim is an ambitious young man brimming with energy and ideas, who returns to his dusty hometown of Dar es Salaam after completing his studies. Following him is Fauzia, who not only finds a beloved partner in Karim but also sees in him an opportunity to escape her overly sheltered childhood. Then there is Badar, a destitute young man with familial ties to the other two, who befriends them and receives help, yet finds himself ensnared in a dark suspicion. The backdrop of the story reflects a slow evolution in Tanzania characterized by gradual progress, growing tourism, and the resultant societal changes. Rather than delving into the typical clichés of colonialism and the resulting authoritarian post-colonial regimes in Tanzania, Gurnah focuses on the curse of modernity that brings both blessings and new freedoms. He explores themes of cultural identity and the conflict between tradition and modernity.
In addition to the three protagonists, Gurnah has crafted a well-balanced ensemble of characters whose life paths and struggles are depicted with a gentle tone. Connections among them gradually unfold in a writing style that flows like an ancient river, even as he describes the complexities of modern life. Gurnah avoids simplistic truths, instead portraying a normality that, while culturally specific, remains emotionally universal. The story begins with Raya, Karim's mother, who was married off at a young age and is primarily portrayed as a caring mother and mother-in-law, embodying Fauzia’s anxieties, while also exerting authority over Badar, the willing house servant. In this intricate mix, Gurnah skillfully illustrates how little we often know about one another, even as significant entanglements can develop between characters. Badar, an orphan, endures various humiliations as a 'Boi' in Raya's household, yet slowly and painstakingly learns to recognize and endure his harsh circumstances and original story. Meanwhile, Karim, who is climbing the career ladder, jeopardizes his loving relationship with Fauzia due to a selfish affair with a thoughtless, self-serving development worker. Gurnah masterfully and multi-dimensionally depicts the characters and events of his novel without delving too deeply into psychologizing or getting entangled in their life threads. He underpins the entire narrative with historical and geographical contexts of both past and present Zanzibar and Tanzania, illustrating the daily lives of many women who still occupy secondary roles and the struggles of the impoverished workers who have yet to experience the new prosperity. Conversely, the lives of the emerging middle class, who benefit from tourism and modernization, are also highlighted, often living in excess. This book quietly and steadily demonstrates the remarkable storytelling abilities of this great literary master, who seamlessly crafts a coming-of-age chamber play while painting a broad panorama of post-colonial times. Gurnah consciously avoids exoticizing his homeland, though he occasionally incorporates phrases and events that European readers may not recognize. He is also a master of the unsaid: "This is how one proceeds when one does not want to deliver a lecture to the reader. The reader can then do this work and piece together the traces. And perhaps they will appreciate how culture is conveyed. It is transmitted in fragments and small bites that one picks up," explains the deeply reflective author regarding his craft. He adheres to the brilliant maxim: "True art conceals its own artistry, does not draw attention to its technique, but, in the best sense, simply tells a story." This very ability cements Abdulrazak Gurnah's status as one of the great storytellers of our time, justifying his Nobel Prize recognition. Bravo!
The books are available at independent bookstores such as Belling, Prosa, Buchfink, Arno Adler, Langenkamp, maKULaTUR, Buchstabe, and Bücherliebe.
