Lori Hart Beninger Chronicles Resilience and History Through Her Remarkable Stories
PHOTO: Lori Hart Beninger: Acclaimed author of poignant historical fiction and memoirs exploring resilience, family dynamics, and historical complexities.
Exploring Family and Identity Through Memoir
Lori Hart Beninger discusses her memoir An Ordinary Tragedy and historical novels, delving into complexities of family, resilience, and hope while revealing the deep authenticity and research behind her works.
Lori Hart Beninger, a novelist and memoirist of exceptional talent, has captivated literary audiences with her historical novels and deeply personal nonfiction. The author of the acclaimed book series encompassing Embracing the Elephant, A Veil of Fog and Flames, and A Peculiar Peace, Beninger’s works delve into the California Gold Rush and the American Civil War through the eyes of two 19th-century teenagers, weaving tales of survival, adversity, and hope. Meanwhile, her nonfiction memoir, An Ordinary Tragedy, published in 2016, takes a heart-wrenching deep dive into her younger brother’s troubled life as a felon by the age of eighteen.
Although originally from Southern California, Beninger has long called the San Francisco Bay Area home, where she resides with her husband Matt and an eclectic collection of pets. Writing since the age of eleven, she moves seamlessly between fiction and nonfiction, drawing inspiration from her personal experiences, family, and an insatiable curiosity about the human condition. Here’s an exclusive glimpse into the author’s inspirations, challenges, and reflections on storytelling, as shared with Reader’s House.
A Love Song to Her Brother: Writing An Ordinary Tragedy
When asked about the inspiration behind her memoir An Ordinary Tragedy, Beninger is candid and heartfelt. She describes the book as her “love song to a brother I didn’t think I loved.” Writing the memoir was less an inspiration and more of a necessity — a journey to understand her brother Scott and, ultimately, to find peace within herself. Delving into the complexities of his tumultuous life, she made the brave choice to include everything. “Leaving anything out,” she states, “would have betrayed both Scott and myself.”
Her background in child psychology played a pivotal role in shaping this story. Exploring the nature-versus-nurture debate, she reflects on the contrasting paths taken by her and Scott despite their shared upbringing. This fundamental question – how siblings can diverge so radically – is universal, and her exploration of it is poignant and deeply introspective.
Breathing Life into Historical Fiction: The Evolution of Guinevere
Beninger’s historical novels are rich in detail and character development, with Embracing the Elephant introducing readers to Guinevere (Guine), a resourceful and determined young protagonist. Guine stands out as a character not based on any single real-life individual. Instead, Beninger infused her with traits inspired by her younger self, her family members, and most notably, her brother Scott. Guine’s tenacity, courage, and resolve mirror Scott’s, albeit they manifested under different circumstances.
Through Guine’s eyes, readers explore the harsh realities of California during the Gold Rush era. Beninger’s meticulous research shines in her depiction of the physical and social landscapes, from treacherous ocean voyages to the historical intricacies of 1850s vocabulary. Reflecting on her challenges, she shares, “I didn’t want to use words that were not appropriate in the 1850s America,” revealing that even commonplace phrases like “browse the library” required reconsideration.
Hope, Warning, and Triumph Over Adversity
Despite their differences in tone and subject, Beninger’s works share a central theme: overcoming oppression and personal hardship. She describes An Ordinary Tragedy as a warning about the perils of unaddressed struggles, while Embracing the Elephant offers hope that with effort, one can alter life’s trajectory. Both works underscore resilience and the power of self-determination, resonating deeply with readers who have faced similar challenges.
On Writing, Family, and the Price of Objectivity
Writing has profoundly influenced Beninger’s perspective on life, family, and personal growth. Drawing inspiration from Joni Mitchell’s ballad “Both Sides Now,” she reflects on the multifaceted nature of human experience, which she strives to capture authentically in her work. However, this pursuit of objectivity has not always been easy. While her youngest brother appreciated her balanced portrayal of their family in An Ordinary Tragedy, her mother struggled with the depiction, as it did not align with her self-image. Beninger laments the emotional toll of her objectivity but remains steadfast in her commitment to truthful storytelling.
A Legacy of Reflection and Connection
Lori Hart Beninger’s works traverse the spectrum of human experience, offering deeply personal and historically illuminating narratives. Her ability to weave nuanced, emotionally charged stories has earned her a devoted readership and a lasting legacy. Whether through the fictional struggles of Guinevere or the real-life turmoil of her brother Scott, Beninger’s stories inspire reflection, resilience, and hope – gifts she offers readers time and again.
