Inez Goves has captured her grandparents’ remarkable love story in an illustrated coffee table book, blending art with heartfelt memories. It is dedicated to her grandparents, Ann and Reginald. Their creation inspired it, using ancestral family photographs, but unfortunately, both died soon after their terminal family cancer diagnosis in April. Through conversations recorded over two and a half hours, Goves has immortalized their experiences, including a harrowing episode from their past during World War II.
The motivation behind Goves’ project stems from a desire to preserve her family’s history, especially as her grandparents’ health declined. By utilizing old family photos as references for her illustrations, Goves has created a visual narrative that complements the rich stories shared during their discussions. Her book serves not only as a personal memoir but as an invitation for future generations to engage with their family’s legacy.
A Unique Connection Through Recordings
Goves’ process of documenting her grandparents’ stories involved intimate conversations that revealed both joyful and painful memories. “Even though I know not all of it is factually correct, or their boys might have a different perspective on something, it is still a story from their point of view,” she stated. This point of view illuminates the value of personal story—flaws and all, even when steeped in subjective interpretation.
The book’s most riveting passages hinge around a train ambush during WWII. One person, knowing nothing of the war’s end, inflicted a lifetime of trauma on Goves’ grandparents. This last detail sheds light on the nuances of their lived experiences. It tells a story that should remind all of us how the sweeping forces of history still shape individual lives today. Goves’ grandparents shared their wedding day stories, which are lovingly illustrated in her book, further enriching the family’s narrative tapestry.
As Goves reflected on these memories, she brought her grandparents’ voices to life. She noted the deeply serious effect that their experience took on them. She noted, “Me and my cousin haven’t had kids yet, so we’re really sad that they’ll never be able to hear that story from their point of view.” This realization highlights the need to address the urgent task of recording family histories.
Encouraging Family Storytelling
Dr. Imogen Wegman, a proponent of recording personal stories, encourages individuals to start conversations with family members about their pasts. “I see a lot of people start to care as they grow older,” she explained. “They start to look back at the story that has played out in their own life.” Wegman recommends beginning with the most basic information—names and dates of birth. He recommends turning to your local libraries to get this data.
Her daughter, Lorin Clarke, who has been documenting conversations with her father for a full length documentary Under the Radar, John Clarke, shares this sentiment. “To have somebody’s voice – that is such a gift,” she said. Clarke emphasizes the importance of these recorded memories, saying, “It’s a really nice way to spend an afternoon, an hour, just have a conversation over a photo album.” Susan thinks everyone has important, unique stories to share and that’s what makes her work so fascinating!
Through Clarke’s approach of deep listening, family members hear their loved ones’ stories unfold as they peruse through photographs. “We pull out the family photo album … maybe their wedding photo album and I press record on the voice recorder on my phone,” she described. This method creates a space where stories come out organically, freeing people to share genuine memories.
The Impact of Preserving Stories
Her work Goves’ illustrated book is a rich expression of her commitment to honouring her grandparents’ legacy. Sadly, Reginald did not live to see it come to fruition. The final product delivered just a day after his death. While he was still alive, he experienced first hand Goves’ creative process on her visits. “Unfortunately, the book came the day after he passed away,” she shared. Since I had gone down and visited them a few times before he died, and I brought my drawings, he was able to see me working on it from their living room.
This bittersweet ending gives Goves’ project added poignancy — it’s a reminder of why it’s so important to record these stories while we still can. It is through these stories that the bond between generations is enriched, offering irreplaceable glimpses into one’s family legacy.
