The Literature of the Lebanese Diaspora: Representations of Place and National Identity (Library of Modern Middle East Studies)

The Lebanese civil war, which spanned the years of 1975 to 1990, caused the migration of several thousands of Lebanese citizens, many of whom are still writing of their experiences. Jumana Bayeh here presents an important and major study of the literature of the Lebanese diaspora. Focusing on novels and writings produced in the aftermath of Lebanon's protracted civil war, Bayeh explores the complex relationships between place, displacement and belonging, and illuminates the ways in which these writings have shaped a global Lebanese identity. Combining history with sociology, Bayeh examines how the literature borne out of this expatriate community reflects a Lebanese diasporic imaginary that is sensitive to the entangled associations of place and identity. Paving the way for new approaches to understanding diasporic literature and identity, this book will be vital for researchers of migration studies and Middle Eastern literature, as well as those interested in the cultures and history of the Middle East.