Like an interesting footnote, it not only tells the story of her present day life but a reflection on the situation. Then there is sections called “Notes of Excavation” which is a reflection on the situation from where Wendy is now. There was this constant swing between where she felt like she was in control but then a state confusion and uncertainty. The journal entries capture her teenage years perfectly, that whole feeling of being confused and unsure is something that just feels familiar. It gives you an idea of just how damaging the situation was for Wendy, even before starting the memoir.
Excavation is a wonderful title for this memoir the idea that this whole situation was buried deep in her own emotions and mind and now she must excavate to get it out. Excavation: A Memoir is a disturbing but fascinating look into a destructive teacher/student relationship. Wendy takes her journal entries from her teenage years, during this relationship and combines it with her memories. In a world where we take this victim/perpetrator relationship as a black and white issue, Excavation: A Memoir explores the grey area.
A deep excavation into a relationship that nurtured Wendy’s writing but also left psychological scars. She is an insecure and bookish girl with a passion for writing this memoir is about her relationship with a teacher fifteen years her senior. Ortiz was an only child to distant, alcoholic parents growing up in San Fernando Valley in the 1980’s and early 1990’s.
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