E.A. Hanks’ New Memoir Explores Family Dynamics and Identity
Journalist E.A. Hanks has released a poignant memoir titled The Ten: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road, which sheds light on her childhood experiences and her relationship with her late mother, Susan Dillingham. In a recent appearance on CBS Mornings, Hanks shared insights into the writing process and the emotional journey behind her book.
Family Reactions and Validation
Hanks revealed that her father, renowned actor Tom Hanks, and her brother, Colin Hanks, were among the first to read her manuscript. She quoted her father, stating, “The first thing my dad said is, ‘This is an accurate portrayal of what it was to love and fear this woman.'” Hanks noted that receiving this validation was crucial for her, allowing her to move forward with confidence in her narrative.
The Journey of Discovery
The memoir chronicles Hanks’ six-month expedition along Interstate 10, traversing from California to Florida. This journey was not just a physical one; it represented her quest to understand her mother better and reflect on her own challenging upbringing. Hanks candidly described her experience, saying, “I’m just another girl trying to make sense of her dead, crazy mother.”
Addressing Mental Health and Addiction
Hanks discussed how her childhood was marked by her mother’s struggle with addiction and mental health issues. While she had the terminology to discuss addiction—having hosted 12-step recovery programs at home—she found it difficult to articulate the nuances of mental health. “There was no language for mental health and what was sort of wrong in the house,” she explained.
In her book, Hanks poignantly addresses the emotional and physical abuse she endured, emphasizing the inadequacies of California family law in the late 1980s that required concrete evidence of physical abuse for intervention. “At that time, you kind of had to have the receipts of physical abuse to get pulled out of a situation,” she explained about her experience before moving to Los Angeles.
Reconnecting Through Poetry
The memoir also provides a way for Hanks to reconnect with her mother through her poetry. Hanks believes her mother did not receive her fair recognition as an artist due to the overwhelming fame of her father. She said, “Including her poetry in the book is a way of treating her seriously as an artist and getting back into conversation with her.” This reflects Hanks’ intent to facilitate a dialogue with her mother’s memory, noting how loss transforms a two-way conversation into a solitary one.
Gaining Perspective on Relationships
As she reflects on her complex relationship with her mother, Hanks acknowledges both the good and the challenging moments they shared. “The truth is, my mother had good days and bad days,” she observed. “All of the care and protection I had for the child that I was doesn’t diminish what happened between us.” This realization evokes a growing acceptance of both her and her mother’s flaws over time.
Exploring Identity and Roots
A recurring theme in Hanks’ memoir is the connection between identity and place. In her professional capacity as a journalist, she learned that discussions about origins often lead to deeper insights. “If someone wants to talk about their hometown, it’s an elevator to their deepest self,” she noted. This understanding of identity enriched her narrative and personal growth throughout the writing process.
Availability of the Memoir
The Ten: A Memoir of Family and the Open Road is now available for readers who wish to gain insight into Hanks’ journey of understanding her family dynamics and personal identity.