Mary M. Barrow's Blog

There is a rhythm to the written word, a rhythm that has obvious importance in poetry, but is equally important in prose. I recognize it when I read it. It entices me away from distractions and makes me take notice. That one sentence – simplicity within swirls of symbols each pulling meaning from the page in ways that squeeze the heart.

Sometimes in memoir classes such a sentence appears when I am reading the assigned exercises. And in that moment I become aware that the writer possesses a depth I want to explore. The memoir comes alive.

When writing about childhood, school days, that special trip or the person who changed a life, play with the words. Combine them in ways that give fresh meaning. Explore, and pull the reader with rhythm.

This past week my book club, Rapid Readers in Nashville, discussed Small Moments: A Child's Memories of the Civil Rights Movement With a glass of wine in hand to steady my nerves and to appear as if the conversation was a relaxing jaunt into my past, I faced the group of sixteen Southern women. All of these women are or have been professionals in a number of intriguing fields - photography, painting, engineering, retail, graphic design, etc. Most grew up in Nashville, and all but one were from families that had employed African American women to help in their homes when they were children. Consequently, they found that many of the issues or conflicts presented in 'Small Moments' felt familiar. They enjoyed the way the book pulled them back to their youth and they appreciated the details. However, the real connection they found in the story was the sense of confusion and conflict they felt during a time when social norms were being challenged and they, as children, did not understand what reactions were expected. Yes, they asked me questions about my family and about my personal life. And, yes, I felt ill at ease answering or avoiding answers. But I was delighted by their reaction to the book as we all retraced how we became the people we are today.