Cultural alienation is feeling disconnected from one’s culture. These stories feature characters grappling with displacement, loss, and the desire to belong, showing resilience in facing societal pressures and identity struggles to find self-acceptance.
Here are 8 distinct voices explore cultural alienation and the search for belonging:
Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
“Americanah” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie follows Ifemelu, a Nigerian woman’s journey to the US for education and opportunity. Through her blogging, she addresses pressing issues such as cultural appropriation and the new set of racial dynamics she confronts. But when she returns to Nigeria, Ifemelu feels Americanized and questions her Nigerian identity. Adichie’s portrayal of Ifemelu explores immigrant struggles, personal identity, and the changing dynamics of race in today’s globalized world.
Second Chances in New Port Stephen by T.J. Alexander
Between the lines of the romantic plot outlining T.J. Alexander’s Second Chances in New Port Stephen lies an exploration of overcoming alienation. Eli, a trans man returning to his hometown after a career downturn, faces double-sided estrangement. Not only does he grapple with the societal pressures and internalized doubts surrounding his identity, but he confronts the ghosts of his past in a family that still sees him through the lens of childhood photos lining the walls. This constant reminder of his pre-transition self leaves him feeling invisible.
The Night Travelers by Armando Lucas Correa
Armando Lucas Correa’s The Night Travelers weaves together the intricate lives of its characters across time and continents, exploring the theme of overcoming generational alienation. The narrative unfolds with Ally’s clandestine interracial romance with Marcus in 1931 Berlin, amid the looming dangers of Nazi ideology. Ally’s protection of her biracial daughter, Lilith, turns societal fear into a powerful tale of motherly love and resilience.
Claire of the Sea Light by Edwidge Danticat
“Claire of the Sea Light” by Edwidge Danticat tells the story of seven-year-old Claire who faces the heartbreak of her father trying to give her away after her mother’s death, capturing the essence of beauty and sorrow.
The Distance Between Us by Reyna Grande
Reyna Grande’s memoir The Distance Between Us explores what happens when familial bonds are strained by physical and emotional distances. In the shadow of the Mexican American border, Grande and her siblings grapple with the aftermath of their parents’ migration to the US. Physical distance estranges them, leaving them yearning for connection and acceptance in the face of adversity. Cultural and linguistic disparities and a relentless struggle for belonging contribute to a heartbreaking sense of isolation throughout the narrative.
Olga Dies Dreaming by Xochitl Gonzalez
“Olga Dies Dreaming” by Xochitl Gonzalez explores identity, family, and Puerto Rico’s liberation through the journey of Olga Acevedo in New York City, navigating the pressures of heritage and society.
Things They Lost by Okwiri Oduor
Okwiri Oduor’s novel Things They Lost is a genre-defying journey that blends magical realism, family history, and the coming-of-age experience. In the fictional African town of Mapeli, twelve-year-old Ayosa unravels her family’s legacy while longing for her mother Nabumbo, who leaves her alone in poverty-stricken conditions.
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong
“On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous” by Ocean Vuong follows Little Dog, a resilient Vietnamese immigrant from Saigon, as he grapples with trauma, poverty, and the lasting effects of the Vietnam War on his family’s mental health in the United States. His tenacity to overcome obstacles and gain a positive sense of self radiates through the story.
