We would like to suggest some titles that cover important topics such as belonging, race and racism, and cultural adaptation.
For more suggestions you can have a look at Cultural Identity – Post 1
Americanah
a novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tell the story of Ifemelu, starting as a young, strong-minded adolescent in Nigeria and becoming a successful blog writer in America. Beside Ifemelu, we find Obinze’s story, first in Lagos, then as an undocumented immigrant in London and finally as a rich property manager back in Africa. The two fell in love as a teenagers, in a military-governed Nigeria, and both fled from their country to follow their dreams. During their journeys, they experience feelings of dislocation, loneliness, and racial prejudices. Fifteen years later, they find each other again as different people in a changed country. In this novel, Chimamanda explains with sharp observations and honest expressions what it means to be black in America, what frames someone’s identity, and explores the concept of self-acceptance.
Born a crime
Trevor Noah recounts his personal story as the son of a white Swiss father and a black Xhosa mother, a union that was punishable with prison in 1984 in South Africa. In a funny and ironic style, Noah presents a collection of stories that portrays his life as an exuberant young boy during apartheid. His stubborn mother is determined to protect him at all costs from the dangers of racism and segregation. With a humorist’s approach, the author talks about gender discrimination, identity, and family violence. Noah and his mother are examples of courage and resilience expressed in such a sarcastic and funny way that it is impossible to put down this book until you reach the end.
American-born Chinese
is a graphic novel written by Gene Luen Yang. Three stories, apparently unrelated, come together to depict a modern fable about cultural identity and the struggle to fit in. The graphic novel includes the traditional Chinese tale of the Monkey King, the story of a Chinese gentleman coming to America and the story of a Chinese–American boy. The plot is sharp, funny, and insightful. The author has the ability to picture Chinese stereotypes and their deconstruction, as well as point out the importance of cultural identity and friendship.
The absolute true diary of a part time Indian
by Sherman Alexie recounts the story of Junior, a Native American teenager, who decided to leave the Spokane Indian Reservation where he lives to go to a nearby “white” public school to gain a better education. After some time, Junior starts feeling as if his identity is split in half and is questioning his sense of belonging. The novel is presented in a diary format and explores the themes of cultural identity and assimilation, grief, loss and the pursuit of dreams.
If you are interested in cultural identity we invite you to read:
- A Refugee Returns Home: The Journey To My Roots Chaker Khazaal, published on the HuffPost .
- Three articles from Expatclic, sharing the experience of young people brought up between different cultures: Where do I come from, by Julia Rose; I am what I am, a reflection of a TCK on identity, by Bram Burger; So, where are you from?, by Costanza Da Silva.
Alessandra Giacchi
Cover by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels.