Suppressed Speech of the Powerless Faction

In the realm of contemporary literature, voices that challenge the status quo and shed light on the marginalized are becoming increasingly prominent. Two such authors, Ali Smith and Adania Shibli, are making waves with their poignant and thought-provoking works.

Ali Smith, a Scottish author renowned for her exploration of resistance to power, particularly in a world where technology alienates and dehumanizes, has released her latest novel, Companions. In this work, Smith delves into the question of whether it is possible to resist power in a world that divides and dehumanizes people. Smith's narrative style follows in the footsteps of Calvino, as she seeks to find a voice for those who do not have one.

Meanwhile, Adania Shibli, author of "Senses" and "Minor Detail," claims a broken language in her writing. Shibli finds a mutual failure between herself and language to be inevitable. When in pain, the first thing we lose is language, according to Shibli. This sentiment is evident in her books, where her language stutters, betrays, and abandons.

Shibli's writing often reflects her own experiences of displacement and disorientation. She compares the lives of migratory birds in Gaza to her own existence, suggesting a shared sense of loss and destruction. In Gaza, migratory birds used to arrive in large numbers and orient themselves with topographical references. However, Shibli's books do not identify anyone specifically.

Shibli's parents, who lived through the 1948 nakba, did not talk about it, which angered her and her brothers. This silence and the subsequent difficulty in speaking about difficult topics are themes that Shibli now shares. She finds it painful that she, who loves language, cannot speak or explain due to pain.

Stefania Prandi, author of the reportage-investigation Agro Punjab, sheds light on another group of marginalized individuals - the Indian farmworkers in Agropontino. Prandi states that the farmworkers make it seem like everything is fine when speaking with their families in Punjab. However, they face exploitation and violence, making it difficult for them to speak the truth about their lives. In fact, Prandi asserts that the farmworkers are treated worse than kiwis.

In Companions, Smith uses the example of a refugee showing a torn-up piece of paper to illustrate the importance of identity documents in determining a person's worth. This serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics that exist in our world and the struggles faced by those who are displaced.

Smith believes that the role of the writer is to find a voice for those who do not have one. Through her work, she is not only challenging the status quo but also providing a platform for those who are often unheard. Similarly, Shibli's broken language serves as a testament to her experiences and the struggles faced by the marginalized.

In a world where power divides and dehumanizes, the voices of authors like Smith and Shibli are more important than ever. Their works serve as a call to action, reminding us of the importance of empathy, understanding, and resistance.