Book review: Epicentre to Aftermath: Rebuilding and Remembering in the Wake of Nepal’s Earthquakes

Abstract

The above descriptions give the potential reader a sample of the volume’s important, thoughtprovoking essays. However, the volume could be strengthened in a number of ways. For example, the editors’ introduction would benefit from further contextualization about what is described as the volume’s launching of ‘an interdisciplinary inquiry into the science of remembrance and forgiveness’ (p. 3). How does this fit within (or substantially differ from) the history and growing literature of genocide and memory studies and related fields, which for decades have been focused on these same issues of transitional justice, remembrance, and forgiveness. The editors also missed an opportunity by leaving the reader very much on his or her own to pick and choose which articles and themes might be of interest. While the essays are in conversation with one another, for most readers more guidance on the content and parameters of such dialogues would be helpful. This would include expanding the brief introduction to include more about the editors (who put together such an outstanding collection, but do not contribute an essay or conclusion to the volume) and their positionality, as well as further discussion of thematic links. If there is a second edition—and I hope there will be, as this volume has potential for widespread use in relevant courses—this reviewer suggests a more detailed introduction and conclusion by the editors and, most importantly, a thematic reorganization of the contributions with short introductions to the key themes and frameworks in each section. This kind of editorial guidance would help readers (and I am particularly thinking of students) make connections between the rich and varied 16 case studies in the volume. In conclusion, Remembrance and Forgiveness: Global and Interdisciplinary Perspectives on Genocide and Mass Violence, with its excellent array of case studies ranging from Timor-Leste and Ethiopia to Rwanda and Argentina, is a collection of outstanding essays that will be of interest to many different audiences.