Traumata by Meera Atkinson

A BRILLIANT, FIERCELY PROFOUND WORK OF CREATIVE NON-FICTION IN THE VEIN OF MAGGIE NELSON'S THE ARGONAUTS

In this extraordinary book, Meera Atkinson explores how trauma reverberates over a lifetime, unearthing the traumatic roots of our social structures and our collective history.

Using memoir as a touchstone, Atkinson contemplates the ways patriarchy enables trauma to flourish, and the scars left behind. She vibrantly captures her early life in 1970s and '80s Sydney, while also leading the reader into the realms of neuroscience, pop psychology, feminist history and much more.

Searing in its truthfulness and beauty, Traumata deals with issues of our time -- intergenerational trauma, family violence, alcoholism and addiction, child abuse -- and forges a path of fearless enquiry through the complexity of human relationships. It also celebrates the abiding power of friendship, art and love.

Genres: Nonfiction - Memoir - Feminism - Mental Health - Essays