Introduction
Memorial Drive by Natasha Trethewey is a heartbreaking and powerful memoir that delves into the circumstances surrounding the author’s mother’s death and its impact on her own life. The book takes its name from the street where Natasha and her mother lived, but it also serves as a metaphorical site of memory and reckoning (Trethewey, 2020).
The memoir begins with a professional portrait of Natasha’s mother, Gwen, which catalyzes Natasha’s journey into her past. Through vivid and poignant storytelling, Natasha takes the reader on a profoundly personal exploration of her mother’s life before her second ex-husband, Joel Grimmette, tragically murdered her. The portrait becomes a link to memories of her mother and prompts Natasha to revisit the place on Memorial Drive where her mother was killed (Trethewey, 2020).
Background of the Author’s Mother
Natasha goes back in time to recount Gwen’s life before Natasha was born, providing a rich and detailed background. The reader learns about Gwen’s birth in New Orleans, her roots in Gulfport, Mississippi, and her courtship with Rick Trethewey at their university in Kentucky (Trethewey, 2020). The couple eventually settles in Gwen’s hometown of North Gulfport, facing the harsh realities of racism and harassment from the white community due to their interracial relationship.
Abusive Family Relationships
As the narrative unfolds, Natasha reveals the troubled relationship between Gwen and Joel. She depicts the escalating abuse that both she and her mother endured at his hands. Through her writing, Natasha finds a way to assert herself against Joel and protect her mother (Trethewey, 2020). Eventually, Gwen finds the courage to leave Joel, but he continues to haunt their lives, refusing to let go. The most devastating moment in the memoir comes when Joel murders Gwen in front of her apartment complex. Natasha was in college at the time, and the trauma of losing her mother in such a violent manner left a lasting impact on her life.
Painful Recollection
For years, she has avoided any place that reminds her of her mother’s murder, including the DeKalb County Courthouse. However, a chance encounter with a stranger changes everything. This stranger, who had been the first police officer on the scene after Gwen’s murder, provides Natasha with files related to her mother’s death (Trethewey, 2020). These files contain the transcript of Gwen’s final phone calls with Joel, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding her murder and the relative inaction that led to it.
Meaning Behind the Memoir
Natasha’s memoir is not just an exploration of her own grief and trauma but also an attempt to “give her mother’s life meaning beyond the tragedy that cut it short” (Trethewey, 2020, p. 4). She grapples with buried memories and confronts the painful past, seeking understanding and closure. It is a testament to the power of storytelling and the strength of the human spirit. The writing in Memorial Drive is exquisite and evocative. Natasha’s prose is poetic and raw, capturing the emotional depth of her experience. She seamlessly weaves personal anecdotes, historical context, and social commentary, creating a multidimensional, intimate, and universal narrative.
Conclusion
Overall, Memorial Drive is a haunting and deeply affecting memoir exploring themes of love, loss, trauma, and resilience. Natasha Trethewey’s storytelling is masterful, and her vulnerability and honesty shine through every page. It is a memoir that will stay with readers long after turning the final page, reminding us of the importance of confronting our past and finding meaning in our pain.
Reference
Trethewey, N. (2020). MEMORIAL DRIVE: A Daughter’s Memoir. Ecco.