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Year of Graduation
2025
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
MFA: Children's Literature
Directing Professor
Dr. Lisa Rowe Fraustino
Abstract
Trauma narratives have been part of the children’s literature landscape for most of the twentieth and twenty-first century. My thesis Falling Walls, a young adult fantasy novel, focuses on the trauma of life, love, and death. This creative manuscript centers on a dual third person point of view. The novel follows main character Jericho “Jeri” Andrew and Bela and their eventual love story. Jericho grapples with his mortality as he falls for the angel of death Bela, who wants to help him transition. The two learn that life, love, and death are beautiful but complicated. The accompanying critical paper “Kiss of Death: Romancing Trauma” examines sick-lit, death in literature, and paranormal romance. This paper focuses on how Falling Walls works to bridge those elements to create a unique young adult work centered on death.
Recommended Citation
Werner, Diandra, "Falling Walls" (2025). Children's Literature (MFA) Theses, Hollins University. 20.
https://digitalcommons.hollins.edu/mfatheses/20
Contact Information
diandra208@gmail.com
Purpose Statement
The purpose of preserving this thesis document is to provide a definitive record of student progress upon completion of the degree. This text will not reflect any revisions to the manuscript made after degree completion. For the most current version of the work, please contact its author.