The Hunger We Pass Down, Jen Sookfong Lee (Review by Lisa Harder)

Rating: 5.0/5 Stars

When I read the synopsis for this novel, I anticipated reading something spooky and with supernatural elements. While this book definitely had those elements, the themes of intergenerational trauma and grief were incredibly powerful and overshadowed the paranormal elements. Jen Sookfong Lee did an excellent job of not only interweaving experiences of past generations into the book in a way that made sense but also provided current intergenerational experiences which aided in enriching the story without it feeling forced or rushed. Just as an example (without giving away too many spoilers!), Alice, the main character, discusses ongoing difficulties with communication with her daughter, Luna. In a later chapter, Luna describes their relationship and the disconnection she feels from Alice due to emotional trauma and subsequent grief she has experienced. Alice is not even aware that she has inflicted similar trauma onto her daughter as her own mother had done to her.

Outside of this writing space I am both a psychologist who works with complex trauma as well as someone who has lived experience with intergenerational trauma. Luna’s character particularly resonated with me, and rather than having the experience of being able to disconnect and relax while reading, I found myself overcome with emotion and tears. The book’s focus on intergenerational trauma and the raw, descriptive examples of this present in so many ways throughout this novel made me wonder if the supernatural elements of this book are actually meant to be taken at face value or if instead, they are a metaphor for breaking cycles of intergenerational trauma and survivance. All of the

characters introduced in this book are resilient in their own ways, even Alice, who we may initially see as weak in the outset of this novel. The Hunger We Pass Down is a brilliantly written, realistic account of intergenerational trauma, which does not attempt to sugarcoat the reality of people’s experiences. It is a must-read for anyone who is looking to be transported into a deeper emotional experience!