53 pages • 1 hour read
Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Atlanta, Georgia • 1980s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Memorial Drive: A Daughter’s Memoir by Natasha Trethewey chronicles the events leading up to and the aftermath of the tragic murder of the author's mother, Gwendolyn Turnbough, by her second ex-husband, Joel Grimmette. Through reflections on her mother's life, Natasha explores themes of memory, grief, and trauma while seeking to understand and come to terms with her family's painful history. Sensitive topics such as domestic abuse and murder are prominent throughout the memoir.
Melancholic
Emotional
Contemplative
Dark
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
25,091 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Natasha Trethewey's Memorial Drive has been widely praised for its emotionally powerful narrative and lyrical prose. While some critics note its raw, intense exploration of grief may be difficult for some readers, the memoir's poignant reflection on loss and resilience has been celebrated as deeply moving and resonant. Overall, Trethewey's blend of personal and historical insight crafts a compelling, impactful read.
Who Should Read Memorial Drive?
A reader who would enjoy Natasha Trethewey's Memorial Drive is likely drawn to poignant memoirs exploring personal and historical themes. Fans of Cheryl Strayed's Wild and Ta-Nehisi Coates' Between the World and Me will appreciate Trethewey's compelling narrative interweaving family, identity, and resilience.
25,091 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
320
Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction
Atlanta, Georgia • 1980s
2020
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.