Echoes of Place: Memory, Identity and the Ecosystem in Selected Anglophone Cameroon Literary Novels

Wirngo, Bongfen Derick 

Abstract 

This study explores the complex, yet fundamental, relationship between memory, identity and the ecosystem in selected Anglophone Cameroon novels; emphasing how the ecosystem in these communities coalesces to shape the narratives and cultural expressions of the region. The study stems from the backdrop of the continuous recurrence of identity and environmental crises in Anglophone Cameroon (Literature) which thereby hindering peace, unity and national integration in Cameroon. As characters navigate their environments, they confront the impacts of colonialism, globalisation, and environmental degradation, which challenge their sense of belonging.  The integration of memory and place underscores the resilience of cultural identities, demonstrating how they adapt while remaining rooted in their ecosystems. The study blends three theoretical lenses; Jan Assmann’s cultural memory, ecocultural memory and Ngetcham’s Literary Archeology, to examine how the ecosystem intertwine with indigenous identities and fashions memories of characters in the region. The question posed was, what role does the ecosystem play in shaping the indigenous identities and collective memories in the selected novels? The paper hypothesises that the natural environment plays central roles in shaping and influencing collective memories and identities in Anglophone Cameroon Literature. The analysis reveals that, the novels serve as vessels for ecological awareness, emphasising the importance of the natural world in shaping characters’ identities and collective memories. It adds that, these narratives advocate for a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of memory, identity, and the environment. By engaging with these themes, the paper contends that, the continuous recurrence of identity issues in Anglophone Cameroon Literature points to the urgency of a crisis that is yet to be resolved. The paper concludes by crusading readers and stakeholders to engage in profound knowledge of indigenous’ ‘biotic citizenship’ in decision-making towards conflict resolution. 

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Published: July 2025 [Vol. 08, No. 07]

The Ghostly Echoes of the Past: A Postcolonial Reading of Hullaballoo

Bikramjit Sen

Abstract

Kiran Desai's ‘Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard’ is a poignant exploration of postcolonial India. It delves into the intricate interplay of memory, history, and colonialism's enduring legacy. Through a unique blend of magical realism and historical fiction, Desai constructs a narrative that critiques the distortions of historical narratives, the burden of the past on the present, and the search for authentic identity in a nation grappling with its colonial past.

    The novel's setting, the fictional town of Shahkot, serves as a microcosm of India's broader societal and political landscape. Desai employs magical realism to challenge linear narratives and conventional historical accounts, highlighting the subjective nature of memory and the fluidity of time. By blurring the lines between the real and the fantasy, the author invites readers to question the veracity of historical records and to consider alternative perspectives.

    Furthermore, ‘Hullaballoo in the Guava Orchard’ explores colonialism's psychological impact on individuals and communities. The characters in the novel are haunted by the ghosts of the past, unable to fully escape the shadows of their colonial heritage. Desai's portrayal of these characters reveals colonialism's enduring trauma and its lasting effects on generations to come. Ultimately, the novel suggests that true liberation lies in confronting the past, acknowledging its complexities, and forging a new path.

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Published: December 2024 [Vol. 07, No. 12]