Diaspora's Children

by Stan Rushworth

In his latest work, author, teacher and Vietnam-era veteran Stan Rushworth has written a memoir that is a collection of stories, reflections and prayers, and a “survival manual, a way to remember that serves the heart.” Using the experiences of his life as a springboard for illustrating the effects of genocide, war, colonization, and traumatic stress disorder, Rushworth brings to our eyes the deep suffering (and resilience) of generations of Native people, and the mindset that decimated 90% of the Native population in California alone in the first 25 years of White “settlers”. With brilliant storytelling that is full of heart and wisdom, Rushworth, of Native and European heritage, brings us toward a spiritual awareness that is at once a story of grief and suffering as well as a path toward redemption, as we face the truth of war, genocide, climate destruction, and the continuing colonial mindset, and find in our hearts a right relationship to the Earth and each other.

Genres: Memoir

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2020

Reviews

[Brooke Sampson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book offers a thoughtful exploration of the interconnections of imperial wars, American settler colonialism, violence, erasure, power, and control and the fear underlying it all, and how those forces shape all of our lives. It also offers the possibility of seeing differently and challenging this destructive and pervasive mindset.

[Estella Kuchta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful and deeply moving book. Honest, compassionate, and full of love despite the traumatic accounts of war and racism. I have rarely been so moved by a book. Reading it, I felt connected, humbled, awakened, and loved.

[Boyd Cothran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and moving memoir of a Cherokee man stationed in Okinawa during the Vietnam war, and his life after returning home from war.