The Inheritors: Moving Forward from Generational Trauma

by Gita Arian Baack

Our family legacies, both positive and negative, are passed down from one generation to the next in ways that are not fully understood. This secondary form of trauma, which Gita Baack calls “Inherited Trauma,” has not received adequate attention―a failing that perpetuates cycles of pain, hatred, and violence. In The Inheritors , readers are given the opportunity to reflect on the inherited burdens they carry, as well as the resilience that has given them the power of survival. Through engaging stories and unique concepts, readers will learn new ways to explore the unknowns in their legacies, reflect on questions that are posed at the end of each chapter, and begin to write their own story.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Research

248 pages, Paperback

Published June 13, 2017

Reviews

[Weekend Reader_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Inheritors was definitely an interesting read. Baack laid out a compelling case for the need to study and understand generational trauma. If you study trauma she doesn't provide new concepts however she makes the experience of generational personal. This exercise makes the transmission less abstract. I wish chapter 9 and 10 were longer or provided more substance. These 2 chapters are the meat of the book but just felt like a glossary. I would recommend this book over It Didn't Start With You. Baack did a better job discussing the importance of therapy but also acknowledged the cultural approach of healing within a group. I really appreciated the inclusion of Indigenous and Black trauma but the book primarily focused on inheritors of the Holocaust.

[Lenna Lerner]

Moving forward from trauma requires an understanding of the various dimensions that humans live on and live through. This book honours most of those levels, opening the door to further discussion about what it means to be whole no matter our history. A very worthwhile read.

[Tracie Griffith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Highly recommended for anyone interested in trans generational trauma.

[Stephanie Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

written in a very easy to follow format...learned so much!

[Mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting and important read.