Multidimensional Interweaving of History, Identity, and Memory in A. Varlamov’s Novel “Odsun. A Novel Without Borders”

This article analyzes Alexey Varlamov’s novel “Odsun. A Novel Without Borders” in order to explore the historical relationship between Germany and the Czech Republic, the dilemma of defining, searching for and understanding one’s identity by the characters, historical memory and its impact on interethnic relations. The author examines historical events related to the Sudetenland, a region that has become a symbol of ethnic conflicts, cultural dominance and forced assimilation. Particular attention is paid to the fate of the Sudeten Germans, whose expulsion after World War II highlights the fragility of collective identity and the destructive impact of politicized historical memory. Using professional approaches — postcolonialism and cultural memory theory — the internal logical connections and deep cultural implications of various themes are interpreted, which emphasizes the unique value of the novel in reflecting social and cultural ecology, analyzing the intricacies of human nature, inspiring the reader to reflect on history, providing a reference point for studying contemporary Russia and the cultural landscape of Eastern Europe. The study contributes to the discussion of the postcolonial dimension of Eastern European literature and the problem of the “difficult past” in the context of globalization. The novel, combining artistic depth with philosophical reflection, becomes a relevant reference point for studying ethnic conflicts, migration crises and ways to achieve intercultural understanding. The work confirms that overcoming stereotypes and dialogue with history are key conditions for building a multicultural society.

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