Inherited Past, Emerging Selves: Reconstructing Pakistani Identity in Saadia Faruqi’s The Partition Project

Abstract

The paper explores the reconstruction of Pakistani identity in Saadia Faruqi’s novel, The Partition Project (2024). As the novelist portrays cultural, psychological and historical dimensions, the paper seeks to uncover the reimagining of inherited past and shaping of the self through the legacy of partition. The research paper argues how the main character (Maha) is struggling to reconstruct her Pakistani identity through the trauma of inherited past. Maha is a Pakistani-American and is living through the American codes of life alongside the struggle for her Pakistani identity. Drawing upon the protagonist’s struggle for her identity in the novel, the paper devises a theoretical framework using Tarun K. Saint’s ideas on Partition Literature, especially his focus on collective trauma, self-realization and fragmented memories. On the other hand, Karen Coats’ theorizations with regards to philosophy, psychology and cultural studies support the analysis in order to explain that the narrative is vital to shape the child’s sense of self and belonging. She presents Young Adult Literature as a source to construct identity that engages young minds to cultural values, social norms and personal emotions. Faruqi’s novel contributes to the comprehensive understanding of reimagining the lost identities, the self-realization of protagonist through inherited past where displacement modifies into an opportunity for cultural proclamation.