National Memory Book Review

National Memory is a broad term that has previously been discussed by multiple scholars (Andrews, Park, Sturken). There has not yet been a consensus on the definition of national memory by scholars, however I define national memory as a dynamic form of collective remembering defined by shared historical experiences and cultural artefacts. National memory, to me, contributes to national identity and helps establish the legitimacy of the dominant narrative. It is a form of memory that is mutual to members of a nation, but fails to voice the experience of the individual. National memory has been extensively researched by many scholars. There have been multiple relevant studies done on how national memory can be skewed over time through the works
Told from his perspective, Joe discusses his experience and his life in Gorazde, a U.N. designated Safe Area in Bosnia. This graphic narrative also features personal anecdotes of many Bosnians themselves as they talk about their role in the war or how the war affected them. I will use this book to argue that National Memory can be used to compare how the memory of a nation differs from individual memories of survivors. Safe Area Gorazde demonstrates how the Bosnian War differs from others recollection of it. First, I will begin by discussing the importance of landscape in Safe Area Gorazde and how it can be used by some locals as a replacement to cultural artefacts of national memory. Second I will discuss the overlap between individual’s remembering of the Bosnian War with a focus on the distinctiveness between their
The Blue Road in the story is representative of freedom, as it was the road used by Americans to get from Gorazde to Sarajevo. This, like the Drina River is full of symbolism for the Bosnian locals. While the Drina represented war, death and bodies, the Blue Road symbolized freedom. At the end of the novels, when the locals from Gorazde were able to use the Blue Road safely, it dignified a positive change for the citizens of Bosnia. The Blue Road can be seen as a cultural artefact because it too serves as a physical reminder of past conflict, however instead of instilling fear like the Drina River, it embodies a positive resolution. While some countries may dedicate monuments to fallen soldiers celebrating their war victories, the Bosnian locals can utilize the Blue Road to showcase their war