Do You Ever "Misread" Trauma into books? (Expect a direction)

Started by storyworld, July 10, 2025, 05:17:32 PM

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storyworld

Hey, all,
I'm wondering if this is true for anyone else (want to feel less crazy. haha!). When you read books, particularly fiction, do you ever anticipate trauma, only to find that wasn't the direction the book was heading. For example, if a father in a story is speaking kindly to a child, do you ever find yourself getting anxious, assuming he's about to abuse her, only to find out as you kept reading that he was just being a tender dad?

Kizzie

That's interesting StoryWorld. It makes sense that as survivors we would think a kindly father would turn at some point because with ours that's what we experienced and it's what we expect of the world.  I think it's an important point that life and people are not always like we experienced them, to know there are better and healthier ways to live.

storyworld

Thanks, Kizzie, and that's a good point. Not every father is harmful. :) I married a great dad (and husband!) and am super grateful!

Kizzie