Native Guard
Native Guard
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2006
Book Brief
64
Book • Nonfiction
Mississippi Gulf Coast • Civil War
2006
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey is a poignant exploration of the racial legacy of America’s Deep South, intertwining historical accounts of the Louisiana Native Guards—a black regiment from the Civil War—with Trethewey’s personal experiences and memories from her biracial upbringing. Trethewey examines the selective narration of American history, depicting the struggles of marginalized voices overshadowed by dominant narratives and highlighting the persistent racial inequities. The book features themes of racial violence and oppression.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
4,887 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Natasha Trethewey's Native Guard has been praised for its poignant exploration of memory, history, and identity, skillfully blending personal and historical narratives. Critics laud Trethewey's lyrical language and the emotional resonance of her poetry. However, some suggest that the historical sections can overshadow the personal elements. Overall, it is a powerful and evocative collection.
Who Should Read Native Guard?
A reader who would enjoy Natasha Trethewey's Native Guard is likely a poetry enthusiast interested in themes of history, memory, and identity. This audience might also appreciate other books such as Rita Dove’s Thomas and Beulah and Robert Hayden’s Collected Poems for their exploration of African American experiences and personal histories.
4,887 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
64
Book • Nonfiction
Mississippi Gulf Coast • Civil War
2006
Adult
18+ years
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