This is such an empathetic and deeply nuanced collection of epistles from Victoria Chang. It comes as no surprise that this book is full of lyricism, considering that she’s a poet with such incredible command of language. It’s a bit difficult to describe what it’s like to read this book, mainly because I think it will be different for each reader and their lived experiences. For me, I was really moved by how Chang’s letters reflected on the meaning of memories, especially the ones that are lost and found within immigrant families. From these memories, she takes notice of the silences that build up over time and space, what was left unsaid and attempted to be said. And, from these silences, she notices the grief that lives alongside memory.

This book is so rich in content not only due to the deeply personal letters written by Chang, but also the archive that she carefully interspersed throughout (e.g., photos and government paperwork). These all construct a stunning and complex approach to memory, belonging, silence, language, among other themes as a Chinese American woman reflecting on her familial relations. Another thing that strikes me as poignant is how Chang invites the reader to reflect alongside her, to be a part of the conversation of how one thinks about these themes, which she makes explicit in her final epistle, which is “sent” to the reader.

I found myself taking time reading Dear Memory, wanting to treasure every letter as well as respect Chang’s thoughts. So much love went into this book, and I truly appreciate her for sharing such personal aspects of her life to the world.