Trauma and Loss in Hisham Matar’s Anatomy of a Disappearance

This study examines the socio-political and cultural contexts that shape familial trauma in Hisham Matar’s Anatomy of a Disappearance (2011). Specifically, it analyzes the fraught relationship between father and son, exploring how this dynamic intensifies Nuri’s psychological and emotional distress and shapes the novel’s narrative. Trauma theory has garnered significant attention among Arab diaspora writers, and Matar intricately engages with this discourse by portraying the lasting impact of loss and displacement. Through Nuri’s childhood trauma—intensified by his father’s disappearance—the novel interrogates themes of fear, anxiety, and unresolved grief. This study situates Anatomy of a Disappearance within trauma theory, emphasizing the parallels between Nuri’s fictional suffering and Matar’s personal experiences. By exploring the intersection of personal and collective trauma, it highlights how Matar’s narrative reflects not only individual loss but also broader historical and political realities of Libyans during different times. Additionally, this paper contributes to scholarship on contemporary Anglophone literature by analyzing how Matar’s narrative structure in English conveys Libyan political trauma to transnational audiences. Despite Matar’s critical acclaim, Anatomy of a Disappearance has received limited scholarly attention, particularly in relation to trauma studies. Addressing this gap, this study contributes to existing scholarship by examining how the novel engages with trauma in contemporary diasporic literature.