Give the summary of the second part of the the book called the gravel heart written by adulrazak gurnah?
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Dec 27, 2023
The second part of the book "The Gravel Heart" by Abdulrazak Gurnah delves deeper into the life of the protagonist, Salim, as he navigates his adolescence and early adulthood. Set in Zanzibar during the 1950s and 1960s, the story follows Salim's journey of self-discovery and his search for identity.
In this part, Salim's relationship with his stepmother, Amina, becomes strained as he grows older and starts questioning his place in the world. Amina, who had initially been a loving and caring figure in his life, becomes distant and cold towards him. Salim's longing for a motherly figure intensifies, leading him to seek solace in the arms of various women.
Salim's encounters with different women expose him to the complexities of love, desire, and the power dynamics within relationships. He engages in relationships with older women, including a wealthy Arab woman named Mariam, who introduces him to a world of luxury and privilege. However, these relationships are often fleeting and leave Salim feeling empty and unfulfilled.
As Salim grows older, he becomes increasingly aware of the racial and political tensions in Zanzibar. The island is on the brink of independence from British colonial rule, and Salim finds himself caught between the aspirations of his African heritage and the privileges associated with his Arab ancestry. This internal conflict further adds to his sense of displacement and confusion.
Throughout this part of the book, Gurnah explores themes of identity, love, and the impact of colonialism on personal relationships. Salim's search for a sense of belonging and his struggle to reconcile his various identities form the core of the narrative, providing a poignant reflection on the complexities of human existence.