Civil war, migration and trauma in Hüdâ Berakât's novels (Technical and thematic analysis)

This dissertation aims to examine how the themes of civil war, migration, and trauma are represented in the novels of Hoda Barakat, one of the prominent figures in contemporary Arabic literature. To this end, five of the author's novels are analyzed. The backdrop of the first four novels under study is the Lebanese Civil War, which lasted for fifteen years (1975–1990). The subject of the other novel is the migration from some Arab countries to European countries following the Arab Spring that began in 2010. This study focuses on how civil war and the forced migration or exile resulting from it is fictionalized and narrated in terms of the psychological trauma it inflicts on individuals and society. The research also analyzes the author's life, literary identity, use of language and style, as well as her narrative techniques. The methodology of the study includes textual analysis, comparative analysis, and thematic interpretation, and it interprets the distinctive narrative techniques identified in the novels through specific examples. The novels by Huda Barakat discussed in this study contain powerful narratives that delve deeply into the psychological effects of the Lebanese Civil War on individuals and society. Migration or exile driven by factors such as civil war, economic hardship, authoritarian regimes, and oppressive moral codes is not merely a physical displacement but also an experience marked by identity loss, alienation, and issues of belonging. Traumatic experiences and their lasting effects on memory play a significant role in shaping the inner worlds of the characters. This dissertation contributes to the understanding of Huda Barakat's literary persona and the artistic value of her work within the context of Arabic literature. The findings offer a new perspective on how the themes of war, migration, and trauma are explored in contemporary Arabic literary discourse.