Ideas
Can you return home? This author says revision offers radical possibilities
Apr 7, 2025
Novelist Janika Oza, author of 'A History of Burning,' dives into the complexities of displacement and memory within the South Asian diaspora. She explores how narratives shaped by colonialism and war inform our identities. Through storytelling, Oza discusses the transformative power of reclaiming personal narratives, highlighting how ordinary objects can embody community history. From travel as vessels of memory to the connection found in familial poetry, her insights offer a profound look at healing and belonging through shared stories.
54:07
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Quick takeaways
- The podcast emphasizes that the quest for return transcends physical journeys, involving a deep connection to roots and identities through narratives.
- It advocates for a circular storytelling approach that recognizes the interconnectedness of histories and promotes empathy in understanding collective traumas.
Deep dives
The Complexity of Return
The discussion centers on the theme of return in the context of historical dislocation caused by colonialism, war, and partition. It highlights that once individuals' lives are set in motion by forces beyond their control, such as the partition of British India, the possibility of physically returning home becomes complex and often unattainable. The podcast emphasizes how this quest for return is not only about a physical journey but also about seeking a connection to one's roots and identity through narrative. It questions the linearity of storytelling, suggesting that true understanding may require exploring more circular narratives that reflect ongoing journeys rather than definitive endings.
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