Queer Realms of Memory – Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative by Bouamer, Siham; Provencher, Denis M; Schroth, Ryan K.;

Long description:

Pierre Nora’s concept “lieux de mémoire” (realms of memory) has become arguably the most significant academic point of reference when discussing processes of nation-building and their interconnectedness with history and collective memory. Although his theory has acquired popularity well beyond its application to the French context, his influential seven-volume series (1984-92) is not without its own shortcomings and failures, which have only occasionally been exposed over the last two decades. It is not until the recent publication of Postcolonial Realms of Memory (Liverpool University Press, 2020) that we see an expansive critique of Nora’s own selective memory. Our project seeks to continue challenging Nora’s approach and France’s national narrative by providing space to examine queer lives, cultures and memories. We contend however that those related to queer experiences within France’s collective memory have almost never been addressed. Queer Realms of Memory is the first book-length study to question Nora’s lack of engagement with queer French and Francophone cultures and histories.

“Thanks to its essential critical take on Pierre Nora’s widely influential concept of realms of memory and the impressive range of contributions, Queer Realms of Memory is a ‘must read’ for students and scholars interested not only in Queer Studies but French and Francophone Studies as a whole, and more broadly Memory and Cultural Studies.” – Dr Etienne Achille, Associate Professor, Villanova University