Echoes of Past and Voices of Present: Intergenerational Trauma and Collective Memory in “The Fortune Men”

Abstract This research paper explores the causative factors of intergenerational trauma and potential pathways for community recovery from past traumatic events, particularly through the lens of collective memory, social identity, and individual memory, as depicted in Nadifa Mohamed’s novel The Fortune Men . By examining how latent conflicts within collective memory can perpetuate trauma across generations, the study highlights the significant impact on mental health and community stability. It investigates how intergenerational trauma is transferred and embedded within the memories of families and communities, proposing strategies for healing that emphasize communication, education, and reconciliation. By bringing attention to these elements, this research aims to illuminate the causes and processes of intergenerational trauma, offering therapeutic ideas that empower both survivors and their descendants to build resilience, while raising awareness about how individuals and societies can confront their histories to foster healing and rebuilding.