In Sensorium: Notes for My People by Tanaïs is a lyrically evocative exploration of South Asian colonial violence, identity, and the legacy of caste. Tanaïs deftly intertwines personal narrative with historical and cultural analysis, creating a rich tapestry that is both deeply intimate and profoundly political.

At its core, In Sensorium is a sensory journey through Tanaïs’s Bangladeshi heritage, using perfume as a central metaphor for self-discovery and resistance. The book delves into how scent serves as both a signal and armor for the self, revealing how colonialism has corrupted cultural connections to fragrance. Tanaïs’s prose is introspective and reflective, seamlessly blending personal and political histories to illuminate the impact of colonialism on South Asia.

One of the most compelling aspects of In Sensorium is how Tanaïs uses scent to trace the history of colonialism, describing perfumes as "little museums of the colonies." This poetic use of fragrance not only evokes powerful imagery but also underscores the deep connection between culture and scent. Tanaïs’s writing is rich with sensory details and symbolic language, drawing connections between personal experiences and broader historical contexts. The rhythmic quality of their sentences creates a sense of flow that engages the reader both emotionally and intellectually.

In Sensorium is also a profound meditation on identity and survival. Tanaïs challenges dominant narratives and power structures, advocating for the reclamation of knowledge and the liberation of marginalized communities. They write against South Asian epistemicide, seeking to unearth the femme knowledge lost to colonial violence. As they poignantly state, "Survivor stories inhabit the silences in history… Their stories are considered the degraded material in the nation’s archive, recorded in pencil. But in these memories, we uncover the evidence of grave violence unleashed on women, trans and queer people, as men fashioned the patramyth of Nation to protect themselves."

Throughout the book, Tanaïs emphasizes the duality of beauty and pain, suggesting that beauty can serve as a form of resistance and healing: "I understood why mass death made us yearn for beauty: after a genocide, beauty revives a possibility for survival." This theme resonates deeply, highlighting how the emergence of beauty is an act of survival, necessary for healing and honoring the pain wrought by generations of colonialism.

In Sensorium: Notes for My People is a beautifully crafted and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the intersections of race, gender, and culture. Tanaïs’s poetic and evocative prose, combined with their insightful exploration of scent and identity, makes this book a must-read for those interested in South Asian history, colonialism, and the ongoing struggle for liberation. By unearthing the memories and voices of femmes lost to South Asian colonial violence, Tanaïs creates a powerful narrative that is both a call to action and a testament to the resilience of marginalized communities.

📖 Recommended For: Readers who enjoy richly poetic prose, those interested in the impact of colonialism on cultural identity, anyone who values deeply personal and political narratives, fans of works that explore the intersections of race, gender, and heritage.

🔑 Key Themes: South Asian Colonial Violence, Cultural Heritage and Identity, Perfume as Metaphor, Femme Knowledge and Resistance, The Legacy of Caste, Reclamation and Liberation.