"It is one about all of us": Memory and Identity in Gurnah's Desertion

<p>Abdulrazak Gurnah challenges these established (post)colonial narratives by subtly revealing the impact of colonialism on individuals who were not actively engaged in the struggle for freedom. In his novel Desertion, Gurnah explores a colonial romance between Rehana Zakariya, a native woman, and Martin Pearce, an Englishman, highlighting how cultural and historical dislocation profoundly affects women's lives and their subsequent generations. This paper examines themes of memory, remembrance, and legacy in Desertion, focusing on how Rehana’s romantic life is remembered, constructed, and transmitted within society, evolving from personal to collective memory through Rashid’s narration. Further, it analyzes how Rehana’s memory shapes her identity and choices. Women in the novel are portrayed not only as vessels for memory but also as bearers of cultural trauma. Additionally, the paper will focus on Rashid’s mother, Mwana, who, despite not being explicitly involved in any colonial struggle, experiences its profound impact on her life and family.</p>