Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey is a poignant exploration of the racial legacy of America’s Deep South, intertwining historical accounts of the Louisiana Native Guards—a black regiment from the Civil War—with Trethewey’s personal experiences and memories from her biracial upbringing. Trethewey examines the selective narration of American history, depicting the struggles of marginalized voices overshadowed by dominant narratives and highlighting the persistent racial inequities. The book features themes of racial violence and oppression.

Melancholic

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

4,887 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Natasha Trethewey's Native Guard has been praised for its poignant exploration of memory, history, and identity, skillfully blending personal and historical narratives. Critics laud Trethewey's lyrical language and the emotional resonance of her poetry. However, some suggest that the historical sections can overshadow the personal elements. Overall, it is a powerful and evocative collection.

Who Should Read Native Guard?

A reader who would enjoy Natasha Trethewey's Native Guard is likely a poetry enthusiast interested in themes of history, memory, and identity. This audience might also appreciate other books such as Rita Dove’s Thomas and Beulah and Robert Hayden’s Collected Poems for their exploration of African American experiences and personal histories.

4.4

4,887 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Fun Facts

Native Guard won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 2007, showcasing Natasha Trethewey's poignant exploration of history and memory.

The collection is notable for its melding of personal and historical narratives, including poems about Trethewey's own life and the often-overlooked history of the Louisiana Native Guards, a Black Civil War regiment.

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Trethewey's background in both history and English literature is evident in Native Guard, where she employs various poetic forms to give voice to forgotten histories.

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Book Details

Pages

Format

Book • Nonfiction

Genre

Creative Nonfiction

•

Education

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Southern Literature

Setting

Mississippi Gulf Coast • Civil War