Telling Tales

This collection presents diverse case studies exploring the significance of childhood and youth autobiographies. It examines themes like identity, education, and trauma, fostering discussions on contemporary life writing forms and genres.

Telling Tales is a thought-provoking collection that explores the significance of autobiographies centered on childhood and youth, highlighting their relevance to the broader context of autobiographical storytelling. Originally published as a special issue of Prose Studies, this volume brings together a diverse array of case studies that delve into the themes and narratives that shape autobiographical writings.

The book emphasizes the crucial role young writers have played in developing autobiographical genres, a trend that continues with the emergence of graphic and digital texts in contemporary life writing. Through a selection of insightful case studies, Telling Tales examines key themes such as cultural identity, the journey of knowledge and education, sexuality, prejudice, war, and trauma. These themes reflect the complexities and challenges faced by individuals during their formative years.

Additionally, the collection addresses the various cultural forms that autobiographical writings of childhood and youth can take. It engages in discussions surrounding archives, graphic formats, digital narratives, testimony, and the educational aspects of autobiography. By doing so, Telling Tales encourages deeper conversations about the expansive nature of life writing related to childhood and youth, underscoring the importance of these genres in fostering dialogue about literary cultures and the process of coming of age.