Sydney beal

MEMORIAL DRIVE

Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey is a memoir that tells the tragic story of her mother’s murder, whose life was taken by Trethewey’s stepfather in 1985. However, this story explores more than this loss: it tells of a young biracial girl struggling to understand her identity among the Southern racism of the 70’s, a pre-teen trying to adjust to an overturned family situation, and a teenage girl who must try to make her way in the world without her beloved mother by her side. It explores “the way [Trethewey’s] own life [was] shaped by that legacy” left by her mother and how it unconsciously and consciously impacted her life (11). Described as “a daughter’s memoir”, Trethewey gives us a glimpse into the depth and intimacy of a mother’s love for her child and that child’s enduring love for her mother. 

What makes this work even more incredible aside from the importance and applicability of the topics is the level of writing. As a former US poet laureate, Trethewey’s phrasings and musings often have the feel of being more akin to prose poetry than prose. With this view and style, she is able to find meaning in the mundane and creates poignant parallels. She dives into the smallest of details and intricately explores their emotional impact on her experience. 

Another aspect that makes this piece unique is the way she adds other forms of writing to carry the story and create more variety in the piece. This includes quotes from well-known artists, related dreams, and powerful evidence from her mother’s case. Though the result may be a choppy narrative under an amateur’s hand, Trethewey skillfully uses each of these to craft the work and build tension over the course of the novel. 

All of these techniques serve to elevate the main themes of the work, which includes loss, grief, and remembrance. By crafting memories that showcased her mother as a unique individual before describing her mother’s murder and the events leading to it, Trethewey allows the reader to experience a small portion of her grief, laying her own pain bare as she explores what she’d tried to leave behind for all of those years. Contrasting with that theme is the idea of the importance of memory. While it is often heartbreaking to see the relationship she shared with her mother because we as the readers know her life ended in tragedy, it conveys the importance of remembering those that have passed, but who remain with us even after they’re gone. 

Though I highly recommend this book, I would attach a content warning for those who are sensitive to racism and/or domestic violence. However, for those who are willing to read a book on these difficult topics, this piece profoundly changed my rather inexperienced perspective on such traumas while containing some of the most heartrendingly beautiful writing.

Sydney Beal is a Spring 2022 Editorial Intern.