All around the world, human beings had once come across strong emotions from the past that impeded them from succeeding in life. It tortures us with unwanted memories, and makes us feel as we have a huge amount of weight on our backs. However, if the past dilemmas had not been overcome, it could have led to severe consequences. A great example of this is in the book, “The In-between World of Vikram Lall”, written by M.G. Vassanji. There are three main reasons that show us how the past can truly have a significant impact on one’s life, the first reason being how if dwelled upon, it can hold one back. Also, if the past is learned from, the same mistakes will not be repeated. Finally, it can manipulate and change human beings over time. Therefore, the past can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Primarily, if the past is dwelled upon, it can hold one back. It was clear that Vassanji intended to use character development such as Vikram Lall’s to portray that the past can hold one back. In the novel, Vikram Lall suffered an excruciating childhood most people could never fathom. His brutal past twisted his perception of morality which lead him to make negative decisions such as corrupting his country’s financial system and the damage he inflicted towards the MauMau. Even when he gained back his sanity, he was not able to move forward in his life due to the persistence of his past. Vikram further explains his agony by saying, “I have reached a stage in my recollections when I often wonder, considering my existence here” (Vassanji, 243). Not only was Vikram left isolated from the world, but he also didn’t find joy or purpose in his life. Also, Vikram’s hate towards the MauMau (Kenyan freedom group who murdered his lover and their family) further imprisoned Vikram. Vikram’s willingness to seek revenge towards the MauMau lead him through a futile and troublesome journey. Friends and family had to constantly remin