Abdulrazak Gurnah, winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2021, explores the migration experience in his novel "The Last Gift," which he presented at the Turin Book Fair. He emphasizes the importance of understanding our past and identity.

He was one of the big protagonists on 12 May, just before the closing of the venue that was filled with visitors.

"We must find a way to make this phenomenon of migration more humane. We hear the stories of people from Afghanistan, Syria or other places where their lives were at risk, they leave their countries with their children, bringing all they own with them, and then they reach the borders of Europe only to be sent back. After thousands of kilometers they are beaten, mistreated: this is inhumane," Gurnah told ANSA.

Also read: Nobel laureate Gurnah attacks European approach to migration

Problem of how migrants are perceived

Gurnah described migration as one of the most significant phenomena of our times. "The problem is how the societies where migrants arrive perceive them. Almost in all countries today there is a prejudice that correlates this to a criminal phenomenon."

"If the possibility to migrate legally or with assistance, in a regulated way, does not exist, there will always be someone who, taking much higher risks, will help these people regardless. This phenomenon will continue and there isn't a speech or a theory that can prevent or stop this," explained Gurnah.

The author, born in Zanzibar in 1948, moved to England when he was young.

The meaning of the term 'to belong'

Gurnah explained that there are many different ways of belonging. In the first case, it can be the place of birth and a person's family. "But we know that many people, over the course of history, decided instead to reject this and choose to belong elsewhere, somewhere new. Many authors did this, for example: T.S. Elliot and Joseph Conrad. The really interesting aspect is the choice made," says Gurnah.

In contrast, other people may be compelled to create a new life due to personal circumstances, such as the early death of their parents or other significant life changes, explains Gurnah. "But for millions of people, it is not a choice to abandon their place of birth and family (they are forced to do it by circumstances)."

Gurnah highlights that the most common experience of seeking belonging involves moving to a new place in the hope of finding safety and better opportunities. "What does it mean to belong when one has to leave where they belong because they are in danger or due to dire economic circumstances? This is the most common experience people face. People move elsewhere where life is safer, they hope, or where they might have better lives."

Also read: Nobel laureate calls on Europe to 'greet migrants with compassion, not barbed wire'

The message in 'The Last Gift'

Gurnah emphasizes that the keyword is the search for serenity, which comes from finding a balance between where one comes from and where they decide to go. This theme is vital in his novels.

'The Last Gift' talks about Abbas' fear of not being able to confess a secret when at 63 he suffers from a stroke. He used to be a sailor early in life and was originally from Zanzibar but lives in England. His children who were born in England appear to be detached from the place where they live.

Gurnah explains that the book is more about reconciling differences than forgiveness or secrets. "Secrets are all around us. There are historical secrets, for example, in Italy, where colonialism is shrowded in secrecy. In Germany, there are national secrets regarding the Holocaust and imperialism, but next to these secrets that are kept subdued because every nation wants to perceive itself as good, mighty, and dignified, but next to these secrets, there are also personal ones, those of our grandfathers. They are all around us and they are part of our lives," confirmed Gurnah.

The character of Abbas, explains Gurnah, "is a character who changes as he goes from being a boy, an adult, and an elderly person."

The Nobel laureate lives in Canterbury, England.