Postmemory and Trauma Writing in the Ghetto Within

Santiago Amigorena, a French writer of Jewish descent, delves into the transgenerational psychological trauma inflicted upon Polish Jewish immigrant families in his novel The Ghetto Within, set against the backdrop of the Nazi Holocaust.Centered around the mother's demise, the narrative unfolds through protagonist Vicente's voluntary "silence" and its subsequent impact on future generations.As a third-generation descendant, the author himself seeks to disrupt the familial silence passed down through generations by transforming post-memory into narrative memory through writing.He explores the paradox of silence and articulation in trauma narratives, critiques the wartime media's and public's silence, and condemns Nazi atrocities.Only by confronting and reflecting on their trauma can Jewish immigrants disenchant the specter of trauma, revive numbed emotions, and pave the way for healing.