Uysal, Mehmet Başak
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Date
2024
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Publisher
Ankara Üniversitesi
Abstract
The study examines Yasmin Rahman's young adult novel, All The Things We Never Said
(2019), from the perspective of narrative empathy. The work centres around the survival
challenges faced by three young individuals: Cara, Olivia, and Mahreen. Cara is rendered
immobile as a result of her father's death in a tragic incident, and thereafter manifests
symptoms indicative of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Olivia is compelled to
conceal her mother's lover's act of abuse in order to ensure her own survival, while
Mahreen struggles with the challenges posed by anxiety and depression. The story ends
with their relationship progressing from an initial endeavour to assist one another in dying
to a strong friendship that promotes reciprocal healing. The novel's narrative strategies
were examined within the framework of narrative empathy theory to understand how
they may evoke empathic responses towards young adults with mental illnesses. This
analysis is signicant because it highlights how the novel uses point of view and
embodied narration to encourage readers to empathize with the experiences and struggles
of young adults facing mental health challenges. By focusing on these narrative
techniques, the novel aims to foster a deeper understanding and compassion for this
demographic, thereby challenging stigmas and promoting mental health awareness. This
highlights the importance of narrative empathy in literature, as it not only engages readers
emotionally but also facilitates a more profound connection with the characters' inner
lives
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Keywords
Narrative empathy, Empathy, Embodied narration, Yasmin Rahman, All The Things We Never Said