Abstract

Love Memory is a collection of stories told by two partners in a relationship challenged by a legacy of trauma, forcing them to question if they can stay together and overcome the weight of a history of childhood abuse.

The novella is told in a series of first person narrations that give voice to each side of a relationship conflict. This 'shared' address is fractured by an omniscient narrator, who interrupts the novella to tell a story that reveals what the characters have conveniently been forgetting to mention.

As a collection, Love Memory aims to shine light on themes of stoicism and masculinity with men who deal with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), examine how these dynamics impact their romantic relationships, and open a dialogue on new ways to address the power dynamics and healing methods for survivors and those who date them.