Eco-Kinship and the Bonds of Belonging: Nature, Identity, and Displacement in Kapka Kassabova’s To the Lake: A Journey of War and Peace
Amlin Beatrice J. S.
Research Scholar (Full time), (Reg.no 23213064012001),
Department of English, Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science,
(Affiliated to M. S. University), Neyyoor, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: amlinbeatrice@gmail.com
Dr. R. Shirley Fernando
Research Supervisor, Associate Professor of English,
Lekshmipuram College of Arts and Science,
(Affiliated to M. S. University), Neyyoor, Kanyakumari District, Tamil Nadu, India.
Email: shirleyfernando1973@gmail.com
Abstract
The research paper explores the concept of nature and people’s connection to their ancestral roots in the novel To the Lake: A Journey of War and Peace. Lake Ohrid, an ancient lake in North Macedonia, is portrayed as a witness to the struggles, wars, political and border disputes which people have endured throughout the centuries. The region has unique landscapes and serves as a tourist spot, yet the declining job opportunities results in migration. People with a deep- rooted sense of belonging linger in their homeland regardless of the economic hurdles. Trena is one such character, who has a sense of belonging and connection to her ancestral place. Trena refuses to move abroad even though she has the opportunity of leading a better life and career. The identity of a person is expressed in terms of their relationship with the land, nationality, name, culture and behavioral traits. When a nation undergoes turmoil due to political or geographical transformation, not only does the nation undergo a change in identity but its people are also forced to adapt to a new identity, as explored through the lens of Mufasa Shain. Displacement and nostalgia are conveyed through the experience of Kapka Kassabova’s family. Ivanka’s family stands as an embodiment of family bonding and projects a possible way of overcoming economic hurdles together as a family. The paper also delves into the people’s ecological connection to the land.
Keywords: Ohrid, Eco-Kinship, Identity, Displacement.
