The Nexus of Smell, Taste and Memories in Shafak’s 10 Mins and 38 Seconds in this Strange World

Abstract

The nexus of smell, taste and memories creates a powerful inter-connection that effectively allows for self-identification through transcending the boundaries of time and place, as the present research hopes to demonstrate. The chosen narrative commences as Leila, a prostitute, breathes her last, being stabbed to death.  During the 10 minutes and 38 seconds following her death, Leila’s mind recalls certain memories which are interestingly associated with certain fragrances and aromas. These, in turn, conjure certain spaces through which the details of her life are unfolded. The present research aims to demonstrate this interplay through exploring the intricacies and nexus of memory, smell and space, which not only meshes the division of time and space but enables an individual to travel through the memory lanes and construct a self-map. Soja’s (1996) theory of space detailing the three kinds of spaces allows this research the much-needed theoretical thrust for this qualitative inquiry. The research significantly indicates the importance of smell memories and their connection to not only certain spaces and places but also lived experiences, which, in turn, play a vital role in connecting and locating a person individually as well as collectively.