Queer Realms of Memory: Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative

Pierre Nora's concept "lieux de mémoire" (realms of memory) has become arguably the most significant academic point of reference when discussing processes of nation-building and their interconnectedness with history and collective memory. Although his theory has acquired popularity well beyond its application to the French context, his influential seven-volume series (1984-1992) is not without its own shortcomings and failures, which have only occasionally been exposed over the last two decades. It is not until the recent publication of Postcolonial Realms of Memory (Liverpool, 2020) that we see an expansive critique of Nora's own selective memory. Our project seeks to continue challenging Nora's approach and France's national narrative by providing space to examine queer lives, cultures and memories. We contend however that those related to queer experiences within France's collective memory have almost never been addressed. Queer Realms of Memory is the first book-length study to question Nora's lack of engagement with queer French and Francophone cultures and histories.

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Queer Realms of Memory: Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative

Pierre Nora's concept "lieux de mémoire" (realms of memory) has become arguably the most significant academic point of reference when discussing processes of nation-building and their interconnectedness with history and collective memory. Although his theory has acquired popularity well beyond its application to the French context, his influential seven-volume series (1984-1992) is not without its own shortcomings and failures, which have only occasionally been exposed over the last two decades. It is not until the recent publication of Postcolonial Realms of Memory (Liverpool, 2020) that we see an expansive critique of Nora's own selective memory. Our project seeks to continue challenging Nora's approach and France's national narrative by providing space to examine queer lives, cultures and memories. We contend however that those related to queer experiences within France's collective memory have almost never been addressed. Queer Realms of Memory is the first book-length study to question Nora's lack of engagement with queer French and Francophone cultures and histories.

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Queer Realms of Memory: Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative

Queer Realms of Memory: Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative

Queer Realms of Memory: Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative

Queer Realms of Memory: Archiving LGBTQ Sites and Symbols in the French National Narrative

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Overview

Pierre Nora's concept "lieux de mémoire" (realms of memory) has become arguably the most significant academic point of reference when discussing processes of nation-building and their interconnectedness with history and collective memory. Although his theory has acquired popularity well beyond its application to the French context, his influential seven-volume series (1984-1992) is not without its own shortcomings and failures, which have only occasionally been exposed over the last two decades. It is not until the recent publication of Postcolonial Realms of Memory (Liverpool, 2020) that we see an expansive critique of Nora's own selective memory. Our project seeks to continue challenging Nora's approach and France's national narrative by providing space to examine queer lives, cultures and memories. We contend however that those related to queer experiences within France's collective memory have almost never been addressed. Queer Realms of Memory is the first book-length study to question Nora's lack of engagement with queer French and Francophone cultures and histories.


Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781837644063
Publisher: Liverpool University Press
Publication date: 12/28/2025
Series: Contemporary French and Francophone Cultures , #109
Pages: 256
Product dimensions: 6.44(w) x 9.44(h) x 0.00(d)

About the Author

Siham Bouamer is Associate Professor of Global French at the University of Cincinnati.

Denis M. Provencher is Associate Dean for Interdisciplinary Affairs and Partnerships in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences and Professor of French & Francophone Studies at North Carolina State University.

Ryan K. Schroth is Assistant Professor of French Studies at Wake Forest University.
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