Journeys of Identity and Healing: Exploring the Second-Generation Trauma of Displacement in Dinaw Mengestu's How to Read the Air

Abstract

The members of the second-generation often experience a state of liminality, caught between the host country and their cultural heritage, unsure of where they belong. This dissertation aims to study their transformative journey of self-discovery, which involves both physical and mental aspects, while focusing on Dinaw Mengestu’s How to Read the Air. Physically, they navigate spaces, both tangible and metaphorical, as they seek to reconcile their dual identities and establish a sense of identity and belonging. Mentally, they explore their ancestral memory to construct a cohesive sense of self. By analysing the interconnectedness of physical and mental exploration, this thesis aims to shed light on the complex process of identity formation among members of the second-generation.