Set in South Africa, "Memories We Lost" narrates the life of a mentally ill sister from the perspective of her

younger sister.

The mental illness depicted is schizophrenia, a condition that causes severe disruptions and impacts
everyone around the affected person during an episode.

The narrator believes the condition is hereditary, suggesting that the sister may have inherited it from their
father, who disappeared and was never found.

Initially referred to as "this thing" by the narrator, the illness gradually strips the sister of her ability to speak
and remember, hence the title "Memories We Lost," symbolizing loss and sorrow.

The story revolves around the sick sister, whose sudden and terrifying attacks deeply affect the family. After
each episode, the narrator recites a prayer and embraces her sister, highlighting the traumatic and painful
nature of the illness. During one attack, the sister runs away into the night, prompting a search by the men
and boys of the community. They return without her, but the mother finds her and brings her back the next
day.

In another incident, while the narrator tells her sister a story, an attack causes the sister to hit her head
against the wall, resulting in profuse bleeding. Despite attempts to restrain her, the sister's abnormal
strength during episodes makes it difficult. This incident leaves a lasting impression on the narrator, who
recalls the lingering smell of blood.
The sister's violence and destructiveness due to the disease are evident when she throws a desk, breaking a
window, and pours hot porridge on the narrator, causing severe pain. As a result of her condition, she drops
out of school, leading the narrator to frequently miss school to care for her, ultimately sharing the same
fate.

The narrator learns about schizophrenia at school and understands that the sister's medication is
ineffective. They decide to stop taking the medicine, secretly disposing of it and pretending to comply with
the treatment.

Their mother has tried various methods to cure the sister, including herbs, modern medicine, prayers, and
consultations with local healers. Despite these efforts, the illness persists. In one instance, the sisters play
joyfully in the rain, momentarily free from the disease, creating new, happy memories.

Witnessing this, the mother fears the illness will return and arranges another ritual, this time involving a
witch doctor known for dangerous treatments. Aware of the risks, the narrator refuses to let her sister
undergo the ritual. Together, they run away, following in their father's footsteps, seeking to escape their
family's troubled legacy.

They aim to distance themselves from the memories and stigma of being part of a family marked by mental
illness.

CHARACTERS

The Narrator

The narrator is the sister of the mentally ill sibling. Neither she nor her sister are given names, symbolizing
others who love and live with mentally ill relatives. The narrator is affectionate and loves her sister despite
her condition, a stark contrast to many families where mentally ill members are neglected. Their
relationship is close and loving, discussing even personal matters like physical growth. The narrator is
curious and inquisitive, shown when she eavesdrops on her mother and uncle discussing her sister's illness.
Protective and courageous, she protects her sister from Nkunzi, a sangoma known for dangerous
treatments, and runs away with her to another village. She is inseparable from her sister, stating, "the only
way to have me turn away from her would be to cut us apart." The narrator also shows her courage as they
flee through villages at night, despite barking dogs. Additionally, she is religious and prayerful.

The Sick Sister

The sick sister suffers from mental illness, leading to violent behavior. She once threw a desk, breaking a
classroom window, and violently harmed herself by hitting her head against a tree until she bled. She also
poured hot porridge on the narrator. Despite her illness, she loves her sister and maintains a cordial
relationship. She is secretive and emotional, crying all night before a ritual but hiding it from her sister.

The Mother

The mother is determined to cure her daughter, trying various remedies, including prayers, herbs, and
consultations with witch doctors. Her determination is evident when, after her daughter has an episode and
runs away at night, she continues searching long after the men and boys have given up. She is a loving
mother, as seen in her relentless efforts to cure her daughter. However, she is also paranoid and fearful,
organizing another ritual after seeing her daughters play in the rain, fearing the illness will return.
The Father

The father is only briefly mentioned. He had schizophrenia like the daughter but disappeared one day,
never to return. He is portrayed as mysterious and an escapist, running away from the village and its
people.

THEMES

1. Effects of Mental Illness

The story explores the impact of mental illness on the victim and their loved ones. The mentally ill sister
first loses her speech and then her memory, rendering the past a blur. The illness is depicted as horrifying
and dehumanizing, tearing the sister apart during attacks, making her a different person when she regains
control. The whole community is affected, as seen when everyone is concerned during her episodes and
participates in rituals to cure her.

2. Mental Illness

The author vividly describes mental illness, making the reader feel present with the victim. The illness,
referred to as "this thing," is depicted as a violent and destructive force. The story highlights the plight of
those in African countries suffering from mental illness, caught in violent superstition without proper
facilities for treatment. Traditional "cures" are often cruel, such as baking people over a fire to release
demons, leading to death rather than healing.

3. Love and Empathy

"Memories We Lost" is a story about mental illness but also about the deep love and empathy between
siblings. The narrator organizes an escape to prevent her sister from being subjected to a dangerous ritual,
showing her willingness to sacrifice for her sister's well-being.

4. Ignorance and Superstition

The community refers to the illness as "this thing," attributing it to the devil and demons. The narrator
points out that none of the villagers truly know or care about her sister, highlighting their ignorance and
lack of understanding that the illness is a medical condition requiring proper treatment.

5. Imagery

The mental illness is referred to as "this thing," reflecting both embarrassment and ignorance. The
returning search party is described as "morphed into defeated men" with "their bodies slouched as if they
had carried a heavy load," conveying their fatigue and frustration. After the sister's self-harm episode, the
narrator notes, "the bloodstain remained visible on the wall long after my mother scrubbed it off; long after
she had applied three layers of mud and new water paint," emphasizing the lasting horror of the incident.

6. Symbolism

The disease symbolizes a nation recovering from the schizophrenia of apartheid, trying to understand and
heal from a national disorder. The sister's eventual ability to wake up and walk again after the night's sleep
symbolizes hope for a better future for the country.