Exotic Representation of the East in the Native West: A Re-Orientalist Analysis of Kamila Shamsie's Home Fire

Abstract

This study analyzes Kamila Shamsie's Home  Fire (2017) from the re-orientalist perspective through Liza Lau's theoretical lens (2009). Re-orientalism deals with the issues of representation and seeks how far the representation is authentic. Analyzing the techniques of re-orientalism in the select novel, the current study takes into account the ways in which the author makes her novel appear an autobiographical account that in Meenakshi Mukerjee's view creates the problem of authenticity. The study also investigates the problem of generalization with “truth claims" to address the needs of larger Western communities. In practicing re-orientalism, South Asian writers either omit the presence of South Asian culture or reflect on it with stereotypes and sensational materials. The novel seems to critique South Asian shallow educated folks, who blindly admire or practice Western cultures. The commons and subalterns either have no identity and representation or have homogenous representation in such Diaspora writings, leading to the misrepresentation of the common masses. The study employs qualitative, interpretive, and textual analytical methods to codify and interpret the primary and secondary data. Besides addressing the concerned research community and educational needs, the broader impact of the study addresses the UN's SDG No. 04 (Quality Education) and SDG No. 10 (Reduce Inequality).