Trauma and Fictions of the "War on Terror": Disrupting Memory

This book explores how transnational fiction in the post-9/11 era can advocate for marginalized perspectives by challenging the dominant Western trauma theory and representing the experiences of Afghans under Western hegemony.

Format: Hardback
Length: 182 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the compelling ways in which transnational fiction has emerged as a powerful tool in the post-9/11 era to challenge and reshape discourse surrounding the war on terror. By conceptualizing global political discourse about this complex issue as incongruous, Trauma and Fictions of the War on Terror highlights the ways in which transnational memory frames have been established in Western nations, privileging 9/11 as a singularly traumatic event while disregarding the historical and ongoing experiences of Afghans subjected to Western, particularly American, hegemonic violence.

Recent advancements in trauma studies shed light on how dominant Western trauma theory contributes to this exclusion, failing to acknowledge the shared suffering experienced in non-Western, colonial, and postcolonial contexts. In order to explore these critical themes, the book delves into the works of three notable authors: Khaled Hosseini (The Kite Runner), Nadeem Aslam (The Wasted Vigil, The Blind Mans Garden), and Kamila Shamsie (Burnt Shadows). Through their narratives, these authors offer unique perspectives on the war on terror, challenging the dominant narratives and advocating for the marginalized voices that have been overlooked in the mainstream discourse.

One of the key insights of Trauma and Fictions of the War on Terror is the recognition that the war on terror is not solely a Western phenomenon but a global one that affects people from diverse backgrounds and cultures. The book argues that the trauma experienced by individuals and communities in the aftermath of 9/11 is not limited to those directly affected by the attacks but extends to the broader global community. By examining the experiences of Afghans, the book highlights the ways in which Western narratives of trauma and suffering have been imposed on them, perpetuating a cycle of violence and oppression.

Furthermore, the book explores how transnational fiction can intervene in this discourse to advocate for marginalized perspectives. Through their narratives, these authors challenge the dominant narratives of the war on terror and offer alternative visions of the conflict. They provide a humanizing portrayal of the victims of the war, highlighting their struggles, resilience, and humanity. By doing so, they challenge the notion that the war on terror is a one-dimensional conflict between good and evil, and instead present a more complex and nuanced understanding of the complexities of the conflict.

In addition to exploring the representation of marginalized perspectives, Trauma and Fictions of the War on Terror also examines the role of trauma in shaping individual and collective identities. The book argues that trauma can be a powerful tool for resistance and transformation, but it can also be used to justify violence and oppression. By examining the ways in which trauma is experienced and expressed in the context of the war on terror, the book offers insights into the ways in which individuals and communities can heal from the trauma and work towards building a more just and peaceful world.

Overall, Trauma and Fictions of the War on Terror is a thought-provoking and important book that offers a fresh perspective on the war on terror. By challenging the dominant narratives and advocating for marginalized perspectives, the book contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of this complex issue and highlights the urgent need for a more inclusive and empathetic approach to global politics.

Weight: 414g
Dimension: 159 x 238 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367443030