Reclaiming space in family histories: impressionistic memory work as a feminist approach to historiography and storytelling

Purpose This article explores memory work and storytelling as an organising tool through family histories, offering theoretical methodological implications extending existing conceptualisations of a feminist method. approach is termed impressionist work. Design/methodology/approach To illustrate impressionistic in action, the presents two histories set during Second World War invite reader to engage “undoing” these stories dominant ways knowing storytelling. method challenges taken-for-granted roles, plots detail uncover obscured or silenced within, together with feminine, affective embodied subjectivities, marginalisation social inequalities. Findings study argues that can challenge silencing gendering experiences co-constructed co-interpreted narratives (both formal informal ones). Originality/value shows engagement prominent male actors masculine reveal female feminine within. will offer more inclusive perspective on deeper marginalised neglected aspects our histories.