This week, Colin, Jennifer, and Joey discuss “Freedom to Move” by Ayşegül Savaş, featured in the July 22, 2024 issue of The New Yorker. The story centers on a protagonist returning to Istanbul to visit her ailing grandfather, who has moved in with her father during the pandemic. As she navigates the complex family dynamics and tensions between the caregivers and her own family, the protagonist reflects on freedom, mobility, and the inevitable decline of her grandfather’s once-vibrant spirit.

Our Thoughts

Colin opens the discussion by focusing on the contrast between the grandfather’s adventurous past and his current state of dependence. He highlights how the story explores themes of aging, loneliness, and globalization. Colin sees the grandfather as a once vibrant and gregarious character who is now treated more like a burden, a figure who fades into the background as his health declines.

“The grandfather seems to disappear into the background, becoming more of a burden, even though he was once this adventurous, social man. That was really sad to me.”
— Colin

Jennifer reflects on the ambivalence the protagonist feels, torn between her new life in the West and her familial obligations in Turkey. She appreciates the way the story touches on the estrangement that comes with globalization, as families move apart to seek better lives but lose their emotional connections. Jennifer also notes how the hired caregivers, despite being from a different country (Georgia), show more genuine care for the grandfather than his own family does.

“It’s the caregivers, not the family, who show love for the grandfather. They see him every day and do the real heavy lifting, while the protagonist feels disconnected and burdened by the visit.”
— Jennifer

Joey discusses the title, Freedom to Move, and how it applies differently to the characters. While the protagonist has the financial privilege to move between countries, the caregivers, Ketaban and her daughter, move out of necessity. He finds it fascinating how the freedom to move can be both a privilege and a curse depending on one’s socioeconomic status.

“The protagonist has financial freedom to move, but the caregivers move out of economic desperation. It’s an interesting play on the title—freedom means different things for each character.”
— Joey

Key Themes Discussed

• Aging and Loss of Freedom: The grandfather, once vibrant and independent, is now physically and emotionally dependent on others. His decline raises questions about autonomy and dignity in old age.
• Globalization and Family Estrangement: The protagonist’s return from the West highlights the emotional distance created by globalization. As family members move for better opportunities, they lose their close connections, leaving behind emotional voids.
• Class and Mobility: The story explores the divide between those who can move freely due to privilege (the protagonist) and those who must move out of economic necessity (the caregivers). This theme is encapsulated in the title and the lives of the characters.
• Caregiving and Emotional Labor: The caregivers, particularly Ketaban and her daughter, show deep affection for the grandfather, contrasting with the protagonist’s feelings of obligation. The story highlights the emotional labor involved in caregiving, often performed by those from marginalized communities.

Conclusion

The group concludes that “Freedom to Move” is a nuanced exploration of familial obligation, freedom, and the impact of globalization on personal relationships. The story offers a poignant commentary on aging, the complexities of caregiving, and how individuals navigate the tension between personal freedom and responsibility. Ayşegül Savaş deftly captures these themes through the protagonist’s conflicted perspective and her interactions with her grandfather and the caregivers.