53 pages 1 hour read

Natasha Trethewey

Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2020

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir by Natasha Trethewey chronicles the events leading up to and the aftermath of the tragic murder of the author's mother, Gwendolyn Turnbough, by her second ex-husband, Joel Grimmette. Through reflections on her mother's life, Natasha explores themes of memory, grief, and trauma while seeking to understand and come to terms with her family's painful history. Sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and murder are prominent throughout the memoir.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Natasha Trethewey's Memorial Drive has been widely praised for its emotionally powerful narrative and lyrical prose. While some critics note its raw, intense exploration of grief may be difficult for some readers, the memoir's poignant reflection on loss and resilience has been celebrated as deeply moving and resonant. Overall, Trethewey's blend of personal and historical insight crafts a compelling, impactful read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Memorial Drive?

A reader who would enjoy Natasha Trethewey's Memorial Drive is likely drawn to poignant memoirs exploring personal and historical themes. Fans of Cheryl Strayed's Wild and Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me will appreciate Trethewey's compelling narrative interweaving family, identity, and resilience.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Topics

Crime / Legal

Race / Racism

Trauma / Abuse / Violence

Genre

African American Literature

American Literature

Mystery / Crime Fiction

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Identity: Race

Values/Ideas: Justice & Injustice