Books matching: historical trauma
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Save:An unforgettable, gorgeously crafted collection of YA horror stories that masterfully explores both supernatural and real-world monsters, all while shedding light on Cherokee history and resilience - absolutely worth your time!
Told chronologically from the point of view of different family members, 'Manmade Monsters' by Andrea L Rogers follows one Cherokee family through generations, spanning from the 1830s to the future. The book delves into themes of displacement, historical trauma, racism, and violence that Indigenous communities have endured, while also exploring supernatural horrors such as vampires, werewolves, and ghosts. The writing style is described as a cohesive whole, with each story standing on its own but contributing to a larger narrative that connects past, present, and future through the experiences of the family.
October 2022•323 pages - #2
Save:A layered, cerebral memoir that shines most in its inquiry into identity and history - but expect complexity, not easy answers or feel-good family reconciliation.
'In the Darkroom' by Susan Faludi is a memoir that delves into the complex relationship between the author and her father, who undergoes a gender reassignment surgery. Faludi embarks on a journey to Hungary to reconnect with her father, exploring his past during and after WWII, their family history, and the cultural and political landscape of Hungary. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical narratives, and introspective reflections, Faludi navigates the challenges of understanding her father's true identity and the impact of his transformation on their relationship.
One afternoon I was working in my study at home in Portland, Oregon, boxing up notes from a previous writing endeavor, a book about masculinity. On the wall in front of me hung a framed black-and-whit...June 2016•456 pages - #3
Save:A stunning, urgent debut that boldly amplifies urban Indigenous voices - challenging, heartbreaking, and unforgettable. If you’re open to a complex, emotionally charged read, this book will stick with you long after you finish.
'There There' by Tommy Orange is a powerful and poignant novel that delves into the lives of a group of Native Americans residing in Oakland, California, as they prepare for the Big Oakland Powwow. Through a series of interconnected stories, the book sheds light on the marginalized urban Native American experience, revealing the legacy of mistreatment since the arrival of European settlers. The narrative is character-driven, with each chapter told from a different character's perspective, culminating in a climactic event that ties all the stories together. Orange's writing style is described as compelling, authentic, and rich in detail, offering a three-dimensional portrayal of Native Americans living in a modern urban setting.
The book tackles themes of disenfranchisement, poverty, loss, and the strength of love, providing a sophisticated exploration of the Native American experience in the 21st century. Despite the dark and unsettling history portrayed in the stories, 'There There' is praised for its authenticity and the way it illuminates the diverse range of Native experiences. The novel is commended for its intricate plot structure, weaving together multiple characters and storylines with skill and depth, while also reflecting on the cultural past that continues to impact the characters' lives.
I don’t remember what I did. I still don’t know. I remember smears of blood on the metal and the taste of metal in my mouth. I remember my grandma Maxine shaking my shoulders in the hall outside the p...June 2018•313 pages - #4
Save:Haunting, powerful, and unsettling, "When the Reckoning Comes" is a must-read for fans of thoughtful, socially conscious horror - just be ready for tough themes and a chilling journey.
Readers found 'When the Reckoning Comes' to be a haunting and complex story that blends elements of horror, ghost stories, and social justice. The novel follows Mira, who returns to her childhood friends Jesse and Celine for a wedding at a restored plantation house, leading to a reckoning with the past and present horrors of slavery. The writing style is described as suspenseful, engaging, and thought-provoking, with a focus on the importance of confronting historical truths and honoring sacrifices.
AFTER, PEOPLE HAD asked Mira what she saw. After the arrest, followed by his release, for months afterward, people would ask, classmates at school, strangers even, whenever she found herself alone, th...August 2021•272 pages - #5
Save:A clever, haunting, and unique spin on Jewish history with touches of magical realism - immersive if you love deep worldbuilding and don’t mind a story that asks tough questions and gets a bit messy along the way.
The Lost Shtetl is a novel that explores the discovery of a hidden shtetl in the Polish forest that remained isolated for a century. The author, Max Gross, intricately weaves a tale that delves into the life of the village before and after its discovery, touching upon themes of Jewish history, modern antisemitism, and the clash of traditional values with the advancements of the 21st century. The narrative follows the journey of characters like Yankel, Pesha, and Ishmael as they navigate the complexities of a changing world, blending humor, pathos, and adventure.
Pesha Lindauer found one such person. A man whose visage drove her to rage, and whose voice made her clench her fists and grit her teeth. A man who haunted her dreams, tormenting her with whips and fi...October 2020•416 pages - #6
Save:A haunting, beautifully written meditation on grief and memory - perfect for fans of reflective, thought-driven fiction, but those seeking plot or pace might want to look elsewhere.
A Passage North by Anuk Arudpragasam is a deeply moving and introspective novel that follows the protagonist, Krishan, on a journey to the North of Sri Lanka for a funeral. The book delves into Krishan's introspection, his struggles with grief, alienation, and longing, as well as his attempts to come to terms with the aftermath of war. The writing style is characterized by detailed historical anecdotes, interior monologues, and the absence of dialogue, creating a rich tapestry of personal loss intertwined with the country's tragic past.
The present, we assume, is eternally before us, one of the few things in life from which we cannot be parted. It overwhelms us in the painful first moments of entry into the world, when it is still to...July 2021•304 pages - #7
Save:Beautifully written but heartbreaking, this novel is both an education and an emotional journey. It's essential reading for anyone interested in powerful, untold histories and the echoes of war trauma.
'How We Disappeared' by Jing-Jing Lee delves into the harrowing experiences of Wang Di, a young woman who was taken from her home in Singapore during World War II to serve as a 'comfort woman' for the Japanese troops. The novel intricately weaves together two timelines, showcasing Wang Di's struggles during the war and her life in 1960, where her grandson, Kevin, embarks on a journey to uncover the family's secrets. Through poignant storytelling, the author sheds light on a lesser-known period of history, highlighting the resilience and strength of women faced with unimaginable cruelty.
She began in the first month of the lunar year. They said she was born at night, the worst time to arrive – used up all the oil in the lamp so that her father had to go next door for candles. It took...July 1905•366 pages - #8
Save:A devastating, beautifully written classic that examines the scars of history through unflinching honesty - difficult but unforgettable. Approach when you’re ready for a bold, emotional journey.
"Corregidora" by Gayl Jones is a novel that delves deep into the legacies of slavery, particularly focusing on the experiences of black women and the impact of intergenerational trauma. The story follows Ursa Corregidora, a blues singer, whose family history traces back to slavery years in Brazil and Argentina. Through Ursa's voice, the author portrays the struggles of her ancestors, emphasizing themes of abuse, sexuality, and the lasting effects of slavery on individual lives within the African American community. The narrative weaves together past and present, showcasing how the past continues to shape the present reality of the characters, particularly Ursa's relationships and sense of self.
It was 1947 when Mutt and I was married. I was singing in Happy’s Café around on Delaware Street. He didn’t like for me to sing after we were married because he said that’s why he married me so he cou...1975•192 pages A gripping, highly readable intro to a complex nation’s history - ideal for curious minds, but a bit light on early eras and minority voices. Whether you’re new to Russian history or revisiting familiar territory, you’ll come away with plenty to ponder.
'Russia: A 1,000-Year Chronicle of the Wild East' by Martin Sixsmith is a comprehensive exploration of Russian history, delving into the complexities of the Russian psyche, the traumas faced by the Russian people over centuries, and the forces that have shaped the nation. Sixsmith's writing style is described as informative, engaging, and easy to follow, offering insights into pivotal moments in Russian history such as the Russian revolutions of 1905 and 1917, the collapse of the USSR, and the era of oligarchs.
I arrived in Novgorod before sunrise. I had slept for the first five hours of the overnight sleeper as it travelled north on the high-speed tracks of the Moscow–Petersburg mainline. But as soon as it...2011•624 pages- #10
Save:Short and devastating, Minor Detail is a literary gut punch - an intense read that's equal parts beautiful and brutal. If you want a deep, challenging novel that lingers long after you finish, give this one a try - but definitely check trigger warnings first!
'Minor Detail' by Adania Shibli is a novella split into two halves, with the first part focusing on an Israeli platoon in 1949 capturing a young Palestinian woman, while the second part follows an Arab woman in the 1970s becoming obsessed with the incident and deciding to investigate. The story explores themes of displacement, violence against women, and the repercussions of historical events on present-day individuals. The writing style transitions from a matter-of-fact, flat manner in the first part to a more nuanced, personal approach in the second part, providing contrasting perspectives on the same event.
Nothing moved except the mirage. Vast stretches of barren hills rose in layers up to the sky, trembling silently under the heft of the mirage, while the harsh afternoon sunlight blurred the outlines o...2017•144 pages
