This thesis proposes to develop the concept of memory of discomfort as an articulatory tool of meaning in contemporary literary works as opposed to the notion of pacified memory, pointing that the first concept emphasizes the disruptive nature of memory, showing that many memories in a narrative of a life story serve better to misunderstanding, dissatisfaction and discomfort, while the other focuses on an attitude of pacifying the gaps of memory forging an elusive concept of security and peace. Thus, this thesis analyzes and compares some literary works namely José Saramago (As pequenas memórias), Pedro Nava (especially Baú de ossos and Beira-Mar), Amadou Hampâté Bâ (Amkoullel: o menino fula) and António Lobo Antunes (A morte de Carlos Gardel and O manual dos inquisidores), with the backdrop of theoretical propositions of Sociology of Knowledge, Cultural Studies and Memory Studies.