Lived Refuge: Gratitude, Resentment, Resilience

In "Lived Refuge," Vinh Nguyen redefines refuge as an ongoing affective experience and lived relation, examining three affective experiences (gratitude, resentment, and resilience) to reveal the actively lived dimensions of refuge in Southeast Asian diasporas. He argues that the meaning of refuge emerges from how displaced people negotiate safety and protection.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 184 pages
Publication date: 14 November 2023
Publisher: University of California Press

In a world increasingly shaped by displacement and migration, refuge holds a dual nature: it is both a coveted right and an elusive promise for millions. While conventionally understood as legal protection, refuge extends beyond mere judicial definitions. In his groundbreaking book, Lived Refuge, Vinh Nguyen reimagines refuge as an ongoing, affective experience and lived relation rather than a fixed category with legitimacy derived from the state.

Nguyen's exploration takes center stage in the context of Southeast Asian diasporas in the aftermath of the Vietnam War. Through meticulous analysis of literary and cultural productions, Nguyen delves into three profound affective experiences: gratitude, resentment, and resilience. These experiences serve as windows into the actively lived dimensions of refuge. By examining how displaced individuals navigate the safety and protection offered to them (and sometimes withheld), Nguyen argues that the meaning of refuge emerges from the intricate negotiations that take place within the complex terrain of displacement.

Through his innovative approach, Nguyen offers a fresh and compelling understanding of contemporary refugee subjectivity. He challenges the traditional narratives that often flatten the experiences of refugees and emphasizes the nuanced and complex ways in which they negotiate their lives in the face of adversity. Lived Refuge is a seminal work that sheds light on the lived realities of those who have been forced to flee their homes, offering a profound empathy and understanding of their struggles.

This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the study of displacement, migration, and the human condition. It provides a valuable contribution to the field of refugee studies and offers a roadmap for policymakers, activists, and individuals seeking to create a more inclusive and compassionate world for refugees.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780520397262