Sunken place | wandering devil

A journey into generational trauma, “Wandering Devil” subtly delves into the complexities of generational trauma, particularly as experienced by Black individuals, through the lens of the supernatural. The narrative speaks to the broader idea of legacy, family, and personal responsibility, intertwined with elements of race, memory, and redemption.

The protagonist, Freddy, struggles with an internal battle defined by a history of abandonment, as indicated by the story of his mother. His struggles reveal a deep-seated fear of perpetuating this legacy and hurting those he loves. This is evident in his relationship with Dilah, where he is constantly in a state of introspection about the path he should choose, reflecting a broader issue that many Black individuals grapple with: the weight of familial and societal expectations versus personal aspirations.

“You know, wanderers like us could fall right through the earth and no one would know where to look. Or even bother. People like us’—he cleared some of the rasp from his throat— ‘we leave a string of broken hearts behind. And hatred long and black as a shadow at dawn.”

The tale then introduces readers to “Old Black Billy,” an intriguing and mysterious figure who, through his interactions with Freddy, symbolizes the collective memory of the Black community. The way he describes himself as a “wandering devil” and “Old Black Billy” serves as a connection to the stories, folklore, and experiences of Black individuals throughout history. His prophecies and warnings to Freddy are not just about personal choices but hint at the broader consequences that one’s decisions can have on their community and lineage.

Furthermore, the story’s supernatural elements, such as the menacing hands that grasp Freddy or the eerie descriptions of another realm, underscore the haunting nature of the past. These manifestations can be seen as symbolic of the trauma and scars that previous generations leave behind, which continue to influence and affect the present generation. Freddy’s wandering impulse suggests an almost supernatural restlessness—an urge to move that is as much a force within as it is an external danger.

In essence, “Wandering Devil” uses a blend of supernatural and real-world elements to emphasize the challenges of navigating personal and racial identity. Turnbull’s narrative provides a rich exploration of how anti-Black racism and historical trauma impact the individual psyche, the choices one makes, and the relationships they form  .