Representing the Unrepresentable ― Literature of Trauma Under Pinochet in Chile

The Pinochet dictatorship in Chile engaged in torture, killing, and persecution during the 1970-80s. This study examines testimonial works by survivors and witnesses and sheds light on the role of alternative representations of history. Six Chilean literary works are analyzed, falling into categories of autobiography, monological interview, and historical novels. According to the author, "The Chilean works discussed have not previously been studied as literature of trauma, and the contemporary discussion of the genre of testimonio also does not address any element of trauma in the literary practices it seeks to describe. This study is trying to bridge this gap." The book lacks a subject index. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Yvonne S. Unnold is Assistant Professor of Spanish and German at the University of Southern Mississippi.