Abdellah Taia's Queer Migrations: Non-places, Affect, and Temporalities

Queer Migrations, the first English-language collection of Abdellah Taïa's work, explores his migration through the lenses of French and Francophone studies, post-colonialism, affect theory, queer theory, and language and sexuality. It challenges the notion of Taïa's successful integration into France, highlighting his writing's constant migration, transnational connections, and evolving identity in non-places.

Format: Hardback
Length: 310 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2021
Publisher: Lexington Books

In this comprehensive English collection, "Queer Migrations," Abdellah Taïa delves into the unique aspects of his migration by examining current scholarship in French and Francophone studies, post-colonial studies, affect theory, queer theory, and language and sexuality. Contrary to critics who view Taïa's transition to France as a smooth and successful one, Provencher and Bouamer argue that the author's writing is characterized by constant movement, arrivals and departures, resilient optimism, the fluid accumulation of language across borders, transnational connections, and the emergence of new forms of belonging and memory across time and space. Simultaneously, Taïa's evolving identity manifests in various non-places, defined as liminal and border narrative spaces, where unexpected and transgressive expressions of filial belonging emerge without completely relinquishing shame, mourning, or melancholy.

Introduction:
"Queer Migrations" offers a fresh perspective on Abdellah Taïa's life and work, shedding light on the complexities of his migration and its impact on his writing. By engaging with a range of academic disciplines, the collection provides a comprehensive analysis of Taïa's literary contributions and their relationship to broader cultural and social contexts.

Scholarship in French and Francophone Studies:
The collection begins by exploring the scholarship in French and Francophone studies that has contributed to our understanding of Taïa's work. Scholars in this field have examined his novels, short stories, and essays from various angles, including post-colonialism, gender studies, and queer theory. They have noted the author's use of language, narrative techniques, and cultural references to explore themes of identity, belonging, and displacement.

Post-Colonial Studies:
Post-colonial studies have played a significant role in interpreting Taïa's work. Scholars have analyzed his novels and short stories in the context of the post-colonial experience, particularly the struggles of marginalized communities and the complexities of cultural hybridity. They have explored the ways in which Taïa's writing challenges traditional notions of identity and representation and promotes a more nuanced understanding of the African diaspora.

Affect Theory:
Affect theory has also been employed to analyze Taïa's writing. Scholars have explored the ways in which his novels and short stories evoke emotional responses in the reader, particularly in relation to themes of migration, displacement, and loss. They have noted the author's use of sensory details, imagery, and metaphor to create a powerful sense of empathy and connection with his characters.

Queer Theory:
Queer theory has provided a valuable framework for interpreting Taïa's work, particularly in relation to his exploration of gender and sexuality. Scholars have noted the author's use of queer identity and representation to challenge traditional notions of heteronormativity and promote a more inclusive understanding of human experiences.

Language and Sexuality:
Language and sexuality are also central themes in Taïa's writing. Scholars have examined the ways in which he uses language to express and explore complex ideas about gender, sexuality, and identity. They have noted the author's use of humor, irony, and subversion to challenge dominant narratives and promote a more nuanced understanding of sexual and gender norms.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Queer Migrations" is a valuable contribution to the study of Abdellah Taïa's work. By engaging with a range of academic disciplines, the collection provides a comprehensive analysis of Taïa's literary contributions and their relationship to broader cultural and social contexts. Through its exploration of themes of migration, identity, belonging, and sexuality, the collection offers a fresh perspective on the complexities of human experiences and the power of literature to capture and convey them.

Weight: 644g
Dimension: 238 x 161 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781793644862