This study explores the intricate interplay of identity and ideology in Vikram Seth’s non-fiction work, Two Lives. Through an intimate portrayal of his great-uncle Shanti Behari Seth and his German-Jewish wife, Henny Gerda Caro, Seth delves into themes of displacement, cultural hybridity, and the repercussions of historical trauma. This research examines how the protagonists navigate their intersecting identities against global events such as the Holocaust and post-colonial migration. The study elucidates how identity is constructed and reconstructed in ideological conflicts and reconciliations by analysing Seth’s narrative techniques and his portrayal of personal and collective memory. The paper argues that Two Lives offers a nuanced understanding of how personal histories are shaped by broader socio-political currents, contributing to ongoing discussions on multiculturalism and historical consciousness. Through this analysis, the study aims to highlight Seth’s contribution to contemporary biographical literature and its reflection on the complex dynamics of identity and ideology.

Identity, Migration, Trauma, Politics, Multiculturalism