There's a German term- heimweh, homesickness. It's a powerful sensation, like a narcotic. A yearning from home, but for something more- a past self, perhaps. A lost self. When I first saw you on the street, Katya, I felt such a sensation… I have no idea why
In Joyce Carol Oates' "A Fair Maiden," the term "heimweh" captures an intense form of homesickness that extends beyond a mere longing for home. It embodies a deeper yearning for a past self or lost identity, suggesting that this feeling can be as intoxicating and overwhelming as a drug. The protagonist experiences a profound sense of nostalgia and connection upon seeing Katya, indicating that the emotions tied to longing can illuminate...
