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Mutilated Voice of the Powerless Individuals

Recurring themes at Festivaletteratura include colonial, patriarchal, capitalist suppression, as well as the domination of men over other animals.

The Powerless's muted voice, silenced by authority
The Powerless's muted voice, silenced by authority

Mutilated Voice of the Powerless Individuals

In the world of literature, Palestinian writer Adania Shibli's work stands out for its unique and poignant exploration of identity, displacement, and loss. Her novels, "Senses" and "Minor Detail", published by La Nave di Teseo, are a testament to her profound storytelling.

Shibli's connection to her work is deeply personal. She loves language, yet finds it painful to speak or explain. This discomfort is reflected in her books, which do not identify anyone. When in pain, Shibli observes that the first thing one loses is language, a sentiment that resonates with the themes in her work.

Shibli's parents, who lived through the 1948 nakba, did not discuss it with their children. This silence left a lasting impact on Shibli, as she now finds herself in a similar position, struggling to speak about certain topics.

Ali Smith, the author of the novel "Compass", explores similar themes of silence and the struggle against oppressive structures. Smith introduces the concept of "unverifiables" in her novel, referring to a family within a society that is rigorously ordered and controlled.

Shibli's concern for the survival of migratory birds in Gaza is another reflection of her personal struggles. She compares her life to these birds, stating that both live in total disorientation. The migratory birds use topographical references to navigate, much like Shibli navigates her own life, seeking understanding in a world marked by loss.

Shibli questions whether the migratory birds will find each other and return, much like refugees yearn for a sense of home. Ali Smith, in her novel "Compass", asks if it's still possible to resist power in a world where technology divides and dehumanizes people.

Stefania Prandi, author of "Agro Punjab. The Exploitation of Sikhs in the Fields of Latina", sheds light on another aspect of displacement and silence. She states that Indian farmworkers living in a situation of violence and exploitation pretend that everything's fine when speaking with their family in Punjab.

Shibli's language in her work turns into lamentation, a reflection of the broken language she claims in her work. The loss experienced in Gaza, according to Shibli, is on so many levels that it's impossible to understand the consequences.

In a world where displacement and silence are all too common, Shibli's work serves as a poignant reminder of the human spirit's resilience and the search for understanding in the face of adversity.

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