This course offers an exploration of the theme of exile by considering a range of interesting and provocative texts. Exile is a topic I have touched on in a number of previous courses when we have discussed issues of belonging, homeland, migration and rootlessness. These issues will be central to many of the books we will be looking at, but we will also be considering the concept of inner exile - a sense of psychological displacement, leading to feelings of alienation and defamiliarization. So, it's a challenging topic but I trust the selection of books will also provide some interesting and enjoyable reading. And, as always, prior reading is recommended.
The course will run over two terms. Dates and book list for the first term as follows:
October 12 My Friends Hisham Matar
October 26 The Nights Are Quiet in Tehran Shida Bazyar
November 9 Gravel Heart Abdulrazak Gurnah
November 23 Minaret Leila Aboulela
December 7 To be decided.