Gated Grief:The Daughter of a GI Concentration Camp Liberator
Discovers a Legacy of Trauma
by Leila Levinson
Published: 2011
Genre: Memoir, WWII
Paperback: 266 pages
Rating: 5
Description from PR:
Levinson – award-winning author and founder of the site VeteransChildren.com – wrote Gated Grief on an Ella Cabot Lyman research grant. Part research, part memoir, Gated Grief is a StoryCorps-esque collection of interviews from WWII veterans who liberated Holocaust camps, and the children of those veterans.
When Levinson’s father -- a GI surgeon and camp liberator during WWII -- came home from the war, he had seen far, far too much. But he never discussed his trauma at home, nor was there a term (now called PTSD) for his invisible wounds. Later in life, Levinson herself suffered sever adult onset depression, which made her wonder: Was there a link?
Gated Grief examines the way war veterans’ trauma gets passed down to veterans’ children. This is a book designed to spark dialogue and begin the PTSD healing process for veterans and their families. Next year, in 2011, all of the Iraq War soldiers will be coming home – making Gated Grief and urgent and timely read.
Watch Leila Levinson discuss PTSD and her book here.
Please note: Gated Grief does contain Holocaust images that may be disturbing to sensitive readers. Levinson will be going on a national tour this Spring for trauma centers, Holocaust museums, and bookstores; please check her events page, being updated daily, if you are interested in attending a talk.
Zombie sighting:
Even at the age of six months, David woke up every two hours to nurse--turning me into a sleep-deprived zombie.
- page 15
My two-bits:
In-a-word(s): aftermath
A worthwhile read with history and memories that must be shared and not forgotten.
The author's personal collection of pictures enhanced the read and really makes an impact.
Order the book here.
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* review copy courtesy of PR by the Book
