Forgetful Memory

Representation and Remembrance in the Wake of the Holocaust

By Michael Bernard-Donals | Publisher: State University of New York Press

About the book

Much of the discussion surrounding the Holocaust and how it can be depicted sixty years later has focused on memory. In Forgetful Memory, Michael Bernard-Donals focuses on the relation between memory and forgetfulness, arguing that memory and forgetfulness cannot be separated but must be examined as they complicate our understanding of the Shoah. Drawing on the work of Josef Yerushalmi, Maurice Blanchot, David Roskies, and especially Emmanuel Levinas, Bernard-Donals explores contemporary representations of the Holocaust in memoirs, novels, and poetry; films and photographs; in museums; and in our contemporary political discourse concerning the Middle East. Ultimately, Forgetful Memory makes the case that we should give up on the idea of memory as a kind of representation, and that we should see it instead as an intersection of remembrance and oblivion, as a kind of writing, where what remains at its margins—what is left unwritten—is at least as important as what is given voice.

Editions of Forgetful Memory

Hardcover
ISBN 9780791476710
Paperback
ISBN 9780791476727
PDF
ISBN 9780791477182

Read an Excerpt

Much of the discussion surrounding the Holocaust and how it can be depicted sixty years later has focused on memory. In Forgetful Memory, Michael Bernard-Donals focuses on the relation between memory and forgetfulness, arguing that memory and forgetfulness cannot be separated but must be examined as they complicate our understanding of the Shoah. Drawing on the work of Josef Yerushalmi, Maurice Blanchot, David Roskies, and especially Emmanuel Levinas, Bernard-Donals explores contemporary representations of the Holocaust in memoirs, novels, and poetry; films and photographs; in museums; and in our contemporary political discourse concerning the Middle East. Ultimately, Forgetful Memory makes the case that we should give up on the idea of memory as a kind of representation, and that we should see it instead as an intersection of remembrance and oblivion, as a kind of writing, where what remains at its margins—what is left unwritten—is at least as important as what is given voice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Forgetful Memory about?

Much of the discussion surrounding the Holocaust and how it can be depicted sixty years later has focused on memory. In Forgetful Memory, Michael Bernard-Donals focuses on the relation between memory and forgetfulness, arguing that memory and forgetfulness cannot be separated but must be examined as they complicate our understanding of the Shoah. Drawing on the work of Josef Yerushalmi, Maurice Blanchot, David Roskies, and especially Emmanuel Levinas, Bernard-Donals explores contemporary representations of the Holocaust in memoirs, novels, and poetry; films and photographs; in museums; and in our contemporary political discourse concerning the Middle East. Ultimately, Forgetful Memory makes the case that we should give up on the idea of memory as a kind of representation, and that we should see it instead as an intersection of remembrance and oblivion, as a kind of writing, where what remains at its margins—what is left unwritten—is at least as important as what is given voice.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Forgetful Memory?

History and Archaeology > History > History: specific events and topics > Genocide and ethnic cleansing > The Holocaust

Where can I read a sample of Forgetful Memory?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780791476710

How long is Forgetful Memory and how many pages does it have?

Forgetful Memory has 212 page(s)

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Forgetful Memory?

Michael Bernard-Donals

Who is the Publisher of the book Forgetful Memory?

State University of New York Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Forgetful Memory is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780791476710) and paperback(ISBN 9780791476727) and pdf(ISBN 9780791477182)

Where can I buy Forgetful Memory online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Forgetful Memory from below

Where can I buy Forgetful Memory?