The shifting and changeable nature of memory is mirrored in the structure of True to Life by Juli Chen. Just as one’s memory of an event can fluctuate over time, Chen’s marriage of text, graphics and unique construction allows the reader to alter the story and meaning of the book. Through the use of interactive components, different combinations of image and text create alternative versions of the content.
In one configuration the visuals are teal, green and red against a warm orange background, and the text reads “Sift through the pieces and try to separate fact from fiction. |
Reassemble a patchwork narrative of events.” As one moves the levers, the background shifts: the warm orange is now interspersed with a sage green. And, in meta-textual fashion, we are told to “Change the words ever so slightly with each telling. Relive the pain of knowing you were wrong.” True to Life cleverly and elegantly illustrates how the unintentional reshaping of memory can provide a multiplicity of story permutations.
True to Life
Julie Chen
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