Desertion and exile: experience and memory (original) (raw)

This paper explores the themes of desertion and exile through the personal testimonies of Portuguese deserters during the Colonial War (1961-1974). It highlights the social stigma surrounding desertion, perceived as treason by many, yet recognized by others as an act of bravery and moral resistance against an unjust regime. The narratives illustrate the complex emotional and psychological states of those who chose exile, shedding light on the broader implications of political dissent and personal sacrifice in a repressive political context.