Temporary People by Deepak Unnikrishnan is an important work of postcolonial literature that explores the reality of migrants in the United Arab Emirates - a country that is historically built on temporary sojourns. Through poignant stories, Unnikrishnan documents the incongruities of his homeland – a place of searing dust, impossible heat and economic prosperity.
The central theme in Temporary People is the 'inbetweens'- those temporary individuals leading shadow lives of work without legal recognition or protection. This class of worker is often referred to as 'GCC nationals', as they are often concentrated in the Gulf Countries. The unnamed narrator, who Unnikrishnan based off his own experiences in the United Arab Emirates, speaks with an often amusing and sometimes heartbreaking tone, making the book an emotionally engaging read.
The book follows the narrator as he embarks on a 'field trip', meeting people who live in the shadows of temporary labor. Through the book, we learn about the troubling realities of labor exploitation and the difficulty of maintaining one's identity in the face of generalization and mistreatment. The labor crunch of the 70s and 80s drives the story, accounting for much of the physical and psychological struggle of resident guest workers. We also hear stories of people who gain temporary residence permits by signing long-term contracts, only to have the permits revoked after a few years.
Infused with Malayalam, Hindi and Tamil, Unnikrishnan's language gives the book an intimate and profound feel. He is a master at translating the nuances of his homeland’s multiple languages and dialects. His writing comes alive with lush descriptions of the Gulf's landscapes, people and many contradictions.
Throughout the text, Unnikrishnan skillfully intrigues the reader with tales of life in his country and around the world. The stories in Temporary People act as vehicles to explore the lives of those living in between cultures and the notions of identity. Notably, the text does not shy away from tackling the deep irony that some of the migrants do not even know the terms used to identify them.
Unnikrishnan paints a vivid picture of the tense and confusing reality his people must confront as temporary people. The book’s unflinching narrative brings a reality often forgotten to the reader’s attention. It is a skillfully written work of postcolonial literature that is well worth reading.
