Palimpsest of memory and the erased stories of war victims In the shadow lines

Abstract

Ghosh’s palimpsest-like writing generally records and explores significant events in history, sidelined or obscured from the higher narrative. He very often undermines the master history, exposing the illusion of its logic or integrity. For exploring the higher narrative and exposing its illusion, Ghosh applies palimpsests of memory, imagination, speculative proofs and supernatural elements. In The Shadow Lines, Ghosh’s crucial reproduction of the war and riot-hit individuals across the two countries has been chiefly achieved by his layered palimpsest of memory and imagination over the memories of the characters.