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Books matching: memory and childhood trauma

55 result(s)

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Showing 1 - 10 of 55 
  1. #1

    Burnt Sugar by Avni Doshi
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    A provocative, beautifully written tale about a dysfunctional mother and daughter, perfect for those who enjoy messy, introspective, unvarnished literary fiction - just know it can be a tough, occasionally unsettling read.

    I suffered at her hands as a child, and any pain she subsequently endured appeared to me to be a kind of redemption – a rebalancing of the universe, where the rational order of cause and effect aligne...

  2. #2

    Space Invaders by Nona Fernandez
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    Space Invaders by Nona Fernandez is a short yet powerful novella that explores the impact of Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship on a generation of children in Chile. The story follows a group of childhood friends who are haunted by the memory of a classmate, Estrella, who disappeared after her father had to go into hiding. As adults, they navigate their uneasy memories and dreams of Estrella while reflecting on the dangerous political climate they grew up in, marked by repression and trauma.

    Fernandez's writing style is dreamlike and poetic, employing short chapters that flow quickly but linger like nightmares. She uses the metaphor of the video game Space Invaders to illustrate childhood innocence amidst political chaos. The narrative is collective, allowing different voices to emerge, and it captures the confusion and fear of being young in a repressive regime. The prose is both accessible and profound, drawing readers into the emotional landscape shaped by historical violence.

    Sometimes we dream about her. From our far-flung mattresses in Puente Alto, La Florida, Estación Central, or San Miguel, from the dirty sheets that mark our current location, tucked away on cots that...

  3. #3

    The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
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    A lyrical, unsettling, and emotionally resonant tale about childhood's magic and monsters - The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a modern fairytale that lingers long after you turn the last page.

    There was a table laid with jellies and trifles, with a party hat beside each place and a birthday cake with seven candles on it in the centre of the table. The cake had a book drawn on it, in icing....

  4. #4
    In the Woods
    Book 1 in the series:Dublin Murder Squad

    In the Woods - Dublin Murder Squad by Tana French
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    A gorgeously written, haunting psychological mystery that digs deep into its characters - just don’t come looking for clean closure. If you like your crime fiction thoughtful, atmospheric, and a bit messy, this is a standout.

    What I warn you to remember is that I am a detective. Our relationship with truth is fundamental but cracked, refracting confusingly like fragmented glass. It is the core of our careers, the endgame o...

  5. #5

    A Child Called "It" by Dave Pelzer
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    A haunting, quick read that's equal parts heartbreaking and inspiring. Not perfect in writing or narrative polish, but unforgettable - be prepared for tears and tough questions.

    March 5, 1973, Daly City, California – I’m late. I’ve got to finish the dishes on time, otherwise no breakfast; and since I didn’t have dinner last night, I have to make sure I get something to eat. M...

  6. #6

    Cat's Eye by Margaret Atwood
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    A richly written, emotionally insightful novel about the long shadows cast by childhood friendships and trauma - immersive, thought-provoking, but best for those who enjoy slow burns and deep dives into character psychology.

    Cordelia and I are riding on the streetcar, going downtown, as we do on winter Saturdays. The streetcar is muggy with twice-breathed air and the smell of wool. Cordelia sits with nonchalance, nudging...

  7. #7

    I'd Know You Anywhere by Laura Lippman
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    A compelling, slow-burning psychological drama that digs into trauma, memory, and survival. Not your typical thriller, but a thought-provoking and haunting read for those who like their suspense on the literary and character-driven side.

    Eliza Benedict paused at the foot of the stairs. Time for what, exactly? All summer long—it was now August—Eliza had been having trouble finding the right words. Not complicated ones, the things requi...

  8. #8

    The Liars' Club by Mary Karr
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    Unflinchingly honest, darkly funny, and gorgeously written - The Liars' Club is a modern memoir classic. It’s not always an easy read, but it’s a powerful, unforgettable ride through the highs and lows of a truly unique American childhood.

    My sharpest memory is of a single instant surrounded by dark. I was seven, and our family doctor knelt before me where I sat on a mattress on the bare floor. He wore a yellow golf shirt unbuttoned so...

  9. #9

    She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb
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    A dark, vivid, and unforgettable coming-of-age tale - messy, honest, and sometimes hard to read, but ultimately powerful and life-affirming. If you like character-driven stories that don’t shy away from life’s rough edges, this one’s for you.

    IN ONE OF MY EARLIEST MEMORIES, MY MOTHER AND I ARE ON the front porch of our rented Carter Avenue house watching two delivery men carry our brand-new television set up the steps. I'm excited because...

  10. #10

    Obasan by Joy Kogawa
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    A quietly powerful, poignant novel - important, poetic, and sometimes harrowing. It’s not the easiest read, but it’s an essential Canadian classic for anyone interested in history, injustice, and the legacy of silence.

    The coulee is so still right now that if a match were to be lit, the flame would not waver. The tall grasses stand without quivering. The tops flop this way and that. The whole dark sky is bright with...

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