THE LOST MOTHERLAND IN MAGHREBIAN AUTHORS’
NOVELS Cover Image

LA PATRIA PERDUTA NEI ROMANZI DEGLI AUTORI MAGHREBINI: AMARA LAKHOUSE AMOR DEKHIS
THE LOST MOTHERLAND IN MAGHREBIAN AUTHORS’ NOVELS

Author(s): Iga Figarska-Bączyk
Subject(s): Studies of Literature
Published by: Wydawnictwo Adam Marszałek
Keywords: crime fiction; Italian speaking; migrant literature; homesickness;Maghreb;

Summary/Abstract: Currently, in Italy, the migration of individuals from the Maghreb has increased so dramatically that it is impossible to ignore. Accordingly, there has been an increase in the number of migrant writers originating from these countries. Researchers distinguish three stages of Migrant literature, which are described in this article. this study offers a look at the writings of two Italianspeaking writers of Algerian origin: Amara Lakhous and Amor Dekhis. Both of these writers represent the third stage of Italian migrant literature, that is, the main feature of their writings is that they are fictional, rather than covering topics intensely connected to autobiography, which is typical of the first phrase of migrant literature. the decision to study these two authors in particular is due not only to their choice to write in the same genre (crime fiction) or to their ethnic origin, but, rather, it is due to the recurring theme in their works of the loss of their homeland. this article attempts to find similarities in the writings of Lakhous and Dekhis, such as their having chosen a new language in which to write; the modification of names; the personalisation of the women’s names and the meaning of this personalisation (Algyida, Ilaria, Bagià). Finally, this study explores the topic of homesickness, which is found in the books of both writers. Using Lakhous and Dekhis as examples, this article emphasises the fact that Italian migrant literature is not detached from contemporary Italian literature; indeed, it is an inseparable part of it.

  • Issue Year: 6/2015
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 49-60
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: Italian