Dwelling in the Memory Palace: Cultural Identity, Counter-memory and Storytelling in Anna Moï’s Douze palais de mémoire

Anna Moï’s novel Douze palais de mémoire (2021) offers a multifaceted exploration of memory, architecture and personal history. Grounded in both mathematics and the method of loci, the narrative presents a ‘memory palace’ as a vessel for interwoven stories that address cultural identity and counter-memory. The use of mathematical principles provides an innovative lens for narrating stories, challenging dominant narratives and probing profound societal issues, such as violence and the erasure of history. Central to the narrative is the imagery of war memories; and the novel serves as a gateway for readers to reflect upon shared experiences, while also recognising the depth of the realities of other people. The concept of the memory palace underscores a seamless relationship between individuals and their spatial surroundings, emphasising the timeless nature of shared memories and experiences. This essay seeks to show that Moï’s work, in essence, advocates a broader recognition of marginalised narratives, accentuating the interconnectedness of individual histories, and thus prompts a revaluation of collective cultural memory.