Narrating Trauma: Victorian Novels and Modern Stress Disorders.

The article discusses Gretchen Braun's book, "Narrating Trauma: Victorian Novels and Modern Stress Disorders," which examines the concept of trauma in Victorian literature and its relevance to modern understandings of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Braun argues for a broader definition of trauma that includes gradual and accidental forms of psychic harm, as well as the effects of microaggressions and constant awareness of danger experienced by marginalized groups. The book analyzes Victorian novels such as "Villette" and "Jude the Obscure" to demonstrate how characters who may be seen as morally ambiguous or unlikeable should be viewed as victims of trauma. The article praises Braun's study for its clarity and thorough grasp of relevant scientific and literary criticism. Another book mentioned in the article is Cody Marrs' "Not Even Past: The Stories We Keep Telling about the Civil War," which explores the persistent narratives surrounding the Civil War and their impact on contemporary incidents. The article highlights Marrs' engaging writing style and the book's potential to reach a wider audience. [Extracted from the article]