Greek Islander Migration to Australia since the 1950s: (Re)discovering Limnian Identity, Belonging and Home

This book explores the experiences of immigrants to Australia from the small Greek island of Limnos in the late twentieth century,using oral history to examine how identity and belonging are shaped through migration. It emphasizes the significance of ethno-regional identity and how it can bring strength and longevity to a constructed community. It also examines the roles of men and women within the Greek diaspora and how they made the difficult decision to leave their homeland and subsequently nurture and build families within a new community. The author provides an alternative perspective to traditional migration studies and reaffirms the importance of transnational identity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2021
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

This captivating book delves into the profound experiences of immigrants to Australia in the late twentieth century, employing oral history to explore the intricate interplay between identity and belonging. Between the 1950s and 1970s, a significant number of inhabitants from the picturesque Greek island of Limnos sought refuge in Australia, driven by the devastating effects of post-war devastation and economic crisis. Through the vivid narratives and personal recollections of Limnians, the book sheds light on the profound emotional pain and trauma they endured as they were separated from their families and homeland.

By shifting away from traditional perspectives on migration studies, this book emphasizes the significance of ethno-regional identity and its potential to foster strength and longevity within constructed communities. It delves into the roles of both men and women within the Greek diaspora, examining the difficult decision they made to leave their homeland and the subsequent challenges they faced in nurturing and building families within a new and evolving community.

Moreover, the author extends the exploration beyond first-generation migration, examining the pattern of return visits to Limnos by the descendants of migrants. These journeys serve as a powerful form of identity consolidation for second-generation migrants, highlighting the fluidity of what it means to belong somewhere and redefining the notion of "home."

In addition to offering a fresh perspective on migration studies, this book combines memory studies and oral narrative to analyze how identity and belonging can be shaped across borders rather than within them. It serves as a unique and valuable addition to the field, contributing to our understanding of the complex dynamics that shape our identities in the globalized world.

Weight: 515g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030856601
Edition number: 1st ed. 2022