Postcolonial Realms of Memory: Sites and Symbols in Modern France

Les Lieux de mémoire by Pierre Noras is a significant study of memory in the late twentieth century, but it has been criticized for implying a narrow perception of national memory from which the legacy of colonialism was excluded. This volume aims to address this critical gap by postcolonializing the French Republics' lieux de mémoire and exploring an initial repertoire of realms and sites in France and the Outremer that crystalize traces of colonial memory. The objective is to bring to the fore the need to anchor the colonial in a collective memory and foster new readings of the past.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 440 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Les Lieux de mémoire, a groundbreaking study by Pierre Nora, has left an indelible mark on the field of memory studies in the late twentieth century. Celebrated for its innovative approach to rethinking the relationship between nation, territory, history, and memory, the project has also faced criticism for its limited perspective on national memory, which excluded the legacy of colonialism. Responding to this critical gap, the present volume aims to collectively and critically address this issue by postcolonializing the French Republic's lieux de mémoire.

The book explores an initial repertoire of realms and sites in France and the so-called Outremer that hold traces of colonial memory. It highlights the inherent dialectical relationship between these traces and the firmly established national memory. By making visible the invisible thread that connects the colonial to various manifestations of French heritage, the book seeks to bring to the forefront the need to anchor the colonial in a collective memory that has often silenced it. It also encourages new readings of the past as it is represented, remembered, and inscribed in the nation's collective imaginary.

Through a series of insightful chapters, the book delves into the complexities of colonialism and its impact on French society. It examines the ways in which colonialism shaped the physical landscape, cultural practices, and social structures of France and the Outremer. It also explores the ways in which colonialism has been represented, remembered, and contested in French public discourse and popular culture.

The book argues that postcolonializing the French Republic's lieux de mémoire is not only a matter of historical accuracy but also of social justice and cultural transformation. It emphasizes the need to acknowledge the contributions of marginalized communities, such as those from Africa, Asia, and the Americas, to the making of French history and culture. It also calls for a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the past that recognizes the complexities and contradictions of French colonialism and its impact on the lives of individuals and communities.

In conclusion, Les Lieux de mémoire: Postcolonializing the French Republic's Lieux de Mémoire is a groundbreaking work that contributes to our understanding of the complex relationship between nation, territory, history, and memory. By postcolonializing the French Republic's lieux de mémoire, the book seeks to foster new readings of the past, challenge dominant narratives, and promote a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of the past. It is a must-read for scholars, students, and anyone interested in the study of memory, history, and culture.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802077346