Susan J. Brison

As much memoir and narrative as psychology or theory, this work (perhaps best called a long essay) presents various sides of surviving trauma and violence through narration, therapy, anti-depressants, political activism, and other avenues entirely. Brison's personal approach to the subject, based in her own survival of a rape and attempted murder, makes the book come across as a dialogue-in-progress, something for readers to interact with and question even as she questions the experience of show more being made a victim (and understood as a victim).

Including careful discussions of memory (and forms thereof) and depression, the book provides a readable overview on what (must?) occur after someone experiences trauma, particularly of personally directed violence (Brison distinguishes between trauma caused by humans, and that caused by other forces such as natural disasters, accidents, etc., and the distinction is important to maintain for much of the psychological material in the essay).

Certainly, this is a serious book, and portions of it are difficult to read--however, it is also extremely readable compared to most theory or writing on trauma and personal philosophy, reading more like a personal narrative/memoir than an essay. Also, it is a necessary look at violence, and at the "aftermath" victims of violence end up facing. I can only think that this is a powerful book that might help victims of violence look forward to a path of recovery, and it's a book that I think should be widely circulating, and widely discussed.

So, in closing, this is one of those necessary reads--even if you're not interested, this might well be worth your time. show less

Powerful.

In a way I don't quite have the words to try to describe. I read this in grad school while studying literature from both past and present which shapes our contemporary understanding of human rights. When I read it again (and I will), I'll have something more articulate and meaningful to say.

For now - I highly, HIGHLY recommend the read.