A new book by Chicago/Utah author Willy Palomo is a personal record of the Salvadoran Civil War that poetically transcribes the voices of the author’s family and his own—and is a call for all of us to “wake up’ to the ongoing impact of war.

REVIEW / BOOKS

“Wake the Others" by Willy Palomo was raw, humbling, and forward. It left nothing unsaid, acting as a multi-generational record of stories from witnesses of the Salvadoran Civil War. The author takes a unique approach to poetically recalling and transcribing the voices of not only his mother, father, and extended family but also his own.

A couple of things to prepare for in this book that aren’t explicitly mentioned in the forward: 

1. The historical account of the Salvadoran Civil War and its deep-rooted origins. To truly engage with the author's work, it is strongly encouraged that readers delve into the history of the war, ideally before diving into the book.

2. A trigger warning for the sensitive content was amiss. 'Wake the Others' unflinchingly addresses topics such as rape, adultery, suicide, inexplicable suffering, war, racism, and more. If any of these subjects are sensitive to you, please be aware that this book could be emotionally triggering and potentially retraumatizing. Approach with caution.

Exploring the half-memoir, half-biography format, it was hard not to focus on the author's transcription of his mother's stories as it was a centerfold. An intriguing paradox can arise as he shares her experiences and fears, for some readers can likely empathize with her struggles and others could feel so far removed.

Her story is the shared story of many girls, women, and mothers around the world. Working subservient jobs, being underpaid and overworked, overlooked and disrespected, neglected and abused. Palomo, with poignant precision, captures the intricate fabric of women's trials in the very act of existing within society. It's safe to say that any woman can relate in some way to Willy's mother, and I hope they find solace, as I did, in the fact that Palomo pays tribute to these unseen struggles by recording them, especially with such artistry.

The book's title, though never explicitly explained, seems to beckon the reader to 'Wake up.' It prompts self-reflection, urging: acknowledgment of privileges, and historical events in our own vicinity, and to see the unseen struggles of immigrants; and recognizing the multi-generational effects of war on our neighbors.

Considering the Chicago-based author formerly resided in Utah, where the dominant Mormon faith deeply influences daily life, I made it a point to pay attention to any biblical mentions. 'Jesus' and 'God' were not capitalized at first but were later in the book. This shift raises questions about the author's relationship with faith, particularly given his and his family's profound suffering and El Salvador's religious background. It's difficult not to ponder whether dealing with such profound atrocities generates feelings of resentment toward any divine being, as well as fostering doubts and confusion about why God would seemingly 'permit' such horrors to unfold. 

Perhaps intentionally, upon reaching the book's conclusion, I felt as though I had more questions than answers. 

• "Is this book Palomo's way of processing his mother's death and her trauma?"

• "Can Palomo and all those touched by the war's tragedies ever find peace, and if they did, how?"

• "Was writing and publishing this book a part of Palomo’s own healing process?"

• "Did Palomo ever make the same mistakes as some of the men in his family did regarding adultery?"

• "While it seems that Palomo's parents had faith, what was the outcome of Palomo's beliefs?"

• "Will there come a time when Palomo feels worthy of his mother's sacrifices?"

A sense of peace doesn't readily emerge upon completion of the book. Instead, the pages brim with emotions like rage, anger, sadness, and injustice. While many may desire a more sufficient ending, the ultimate message is clear: Palomo is a testament to survival, and despite the tragedies he and his family have faced, he has lived and been able to create something brokenly beautiful.

The opportunity to engage with this thought-provoking work should not be missed. 'Wake the Others' is an unapologetically honest exploration, urging readers to confront the ongoing impact of war and the intricate questions it raises about life, faith, and the journey toward healing.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Willy Palomo is in town this weekend for the Utah Humanities Book Festival with events at the following locations.

Under the Umbrella Bookstore
Friday, October 20
5:30 p.m.

Jordan River Nature Center
Saturday, October 21
12 p.m.