Books matching: collective trauma
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- #1
Society of the Snow by Pablo Vierci is a profound collective memoir detailing the experiences of the survivors of the 1972 Uruguayan F571 plane crash in the Andes. Written 30 years after the incident, it captures the intense emotional and physical struggles faced during the harrowing 72 days spent stranded on a glacier. The narrative alternates between third-person accounts and personal reflections from each of the sixteen survivors, providing a deeply intimate and varied perspective on trauma, resilience, and survival.
Vierci's writing style allows for a philosophical and empathetic exploration of healing and self-discovery. The survivors share their unique stories, showcasing different emotional journeys ranging from full engagement with life to deep dissociation. This beautiful and horrifying retelling sends a powerful message about the human spirit's perseverance, making it an unforgettable tale of love, grief, and survival against the odds.
- #2
'Shattered Omega: Part One' in the 'PoisonVerse Noir' series by Marie Mackay is a dark and twisted story full of mystery, abuse, and turmoil. The plot revolves around Shatter, an omega girl with a chaotic past and mysterious scent, who is pursued by Dusk Varis, a ruthless alpha leader of the Kingston pack. The characters, including Umbra Varis and Ransom Kingston, have intricate relationships and hidden pasts that slowly unravel, leaving readers on the edge with a massive cliffhanger. The writing style is described as engaging, with a good balance of tension, anticipation, and unanswered questions that keep readers hooked and eager for more.
- #3
The novel "As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow" by Zoulfa Katouh is a heartbreaking story set amidst the Syrian Revolution. The plot revolves around Salama, a Pharmacy student who is torn between loyalty to her country and the conviction to survive amidst the war. The story is a poignant portrayal of the pain, hunger, poverty, and death experienced by the Syrian people during the war. The writing style is described as realistic, offering a glimpse into the lives of the characters facing unimaginable circumstances in war-torn Syria.
Salama's relationship with Khawf, the physical embodiment of her fear, is highlighted as a realistic and unique aspect of the story. The narrative takes the readers back and forth between the characters' current struggles and their previous lives, providing a deep insight into the impact of war on individuals. The novel is praised for being an eye-opener, offering a raw and unapologetically sad yet hopeful depiction of life in a war-torn country.
- #4
'La noche de Tlatelolco' recounts the tragic events surrounding the Tlatelolco massacre that occurred on October 2, 1968, in Mexico City. The book offers a collection of testimonies from various individuals who experienced the horrifying violence firsthand, including students, mothers, and bystanders. It serves as a crucial historical document, highlighting the brutality faced by innocent citizens during a time when the government sought to suppress dissent in the lead-up to the Olympic Games. The narrative is structured in a chronicle format, interspersed with photographs of the protests and the aftermath, creating a powerful visual and textual representation of the events.
Elena Poniatowska's writing style is characterized by its testimonial nature, allowing the voices of those affected to come through rather than imposing her own perspective. This approach results in a rich tapestry of personal anecdotes that illustrate the chaos and horror of the massacre. Although some readers found the lack of precise data frustrating, the emotional weight and authenticity of the testimonies convey the profound impact of the events on Mexican society. The book serves not only as a historical account but also as a call for remembrance and reflection on the injustices faced by the victims.
- #5
'Sand' by Hugh Howey is a post-apocalyptic fiction set in a world covered by a desert where people scavenge beneath the sand for remnants of the old world. The story follows a family, particularly focusing on Palmer and his siblings, as they navigate the harsh desert landscape and face challenges related to their family's past. The narrative is described as immersive, with elements of claustrophobia, intricate world-building, and a mix of characters with varying depths and complexities. The writing style is noted for its detailed descriptions of sand diving, the concept of being 'Coffined,' and the vivid portrayal of a collapsed society.
Starlight guided them through the valley of dunes and into the northern wastes. A dozen men walked single file, kers tied around their necks and pulled up over their noses and mouths, leather creaking... - #6
Celia's Song by Lee Maracle follows Mink, a shape-shifting witness who observes the trauma of Celia and her family as they navigate the dark legacy of colonialism. The story intertwines a community's struggle with a restless two-headed spirit serpent, which symbolizes deep-rooted pain. The beginning is captivating, filled with rich characters and a unique blend of magic realism grounded in Indigenous mythology. Maracle's elegant prose offers thoughtful insights into personal and collective trauma.
As the narrative progresses, Mink's voice diminishes, which some readers found disappointing. However, despite its complexities and emotional depth, the story ultimately conveys hope and healing. The ending showcases a family's strength amid tragedy, emphasizing the importance of love and community support. Maracle's storytelling invites readers to reconsider their understanding of knowledge and reality, as it unveils a profound connection to Indigenous culture and spirituality.
No one comes here anymore, just me. I can’t seem to resist returning to the place where everyone died. Some insane kind of illness overtook them, burned them with its heat; the monster illness disfigu... - #7
'Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror' by Judith Lewis Herman is a groundbreaking work that explores the impact of trauma and abuse on individuals and communities. The author delves into the connection between the suffering of men in war and political struggles and the experiences of women who are victims of rape, incest, and domestic violence. Herman challenges established beliefs and introduces a new diagnostic category for hidden traumas, proposing a recovery program focused on reintegration rather than catharsis. The book covers various types of trauma, including PTSD from rape, domestic abuse, war, child abuse, and political violence, offering insights into the history of the field and the road to recovery.
THE STUDY OF PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAUMA has a curious history—one of episodic amnesia. Periods of active investigation have alternated with periods of oblivion. Repeatedly in the past century, similar lines... 'The Only Plane in the Sky: An Oral History of 9/11' by author Garrett M. Graff is a captivating and emotional recounting of the events of September 11, 2001, through the firsthand accounts of those who experienced the tragic day. The book weaves together the voices of individuals from various backgrounds, including survivors, first responders, politicians, and ordinary citizens, to provide a detailed and harrowing narrative of the multi-layered terrorist attacks on the United States.
The book offers a unique perspective on the impact of 9/11, focusing on the human stories and emotions behind the tragedy rather than the political or tactical aspects. Through a chronological presentation of personal testimonies, 'The Only Plane in the Sky' immerses readers in the events leading up to the attacks, the moments of crisis on the hijacked planes, the responses of the government and rescue workers, and the aftermath of the day that forever changed the world.
On August 12, 2001, NASA astronaut Frank Culbertson arrived at the International Space Station aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery. He would live and work aboard the Space Station for 125 days. On Sept...Safe Area Gorazde is a graphic novel that delves into the war in Eastern Bosnia from 1992 to 1995. Author Joe Sacco immerses himself in the besieged town of Gorazde, capturing the horrifying experiences of the residents and refugees during the conflict. Through a combination of illustrations and journalistic storytelling, Sacco provides a detailed account of the impact of the war on the average citizens of the town, shedding light on the causes and consequences of the conflict.
n Sarajevo in the summer of 1992, when the journalistic community (who had already annexed the British phrase "the hacks" as their collective noun) met in the bar of the disfigured I loliday Inn —and ...- #10
'Milkman' by Anna Burns is a challenging novel set in Northern Ireland during 'The Troubles' in the 1970s. The story follows an unnamed 18-year-old girl who narrates her experiences dealing with unwanted attention from an older political activist known as the milkman. The writing style of the book is dense and requires concentration, with long paragraphs and a lack of traditional names for characters, creating a sense of discomfort for the reader. The novel delves into themes of fear, gossip, mistrust, and the societal pressures faced by individuals living in a politically turbulent environment.
The day Somebody McSomebody put a gun to my breast and called me a cat and threatened to shoot me was the same day the milkman died. He had been shot by one of the state hit squads and I did not care ...