Until They Bring The Streetcars Back

Stanley Gordon West’s Until They Bring the Streetcars Back is part of a large body of media—TV shows, movies, and books—about teenagers and trauma. Western culture regularly links the two, with teens inhabiting a dangerous, precarious world as they come of age, though adults often dismiss them because of their youth. While the primary traumatic narrative revolves around Gretchen and her predatory father, West ties in other heavy issues. Steve is affected by polio and the death of his little brother. Sandy, a member of Cal’s friend group, is traumatized by her adoption. Lola copes with the divorce of her parents and her absent father.

Cal, the main character at the center of the novel, doesn’t show signs of trauma, and he often uses his energy to be there for his friends, who regularly seek solace with him. Cal occupies the same position as Clay Jensen in 13 Reasons Why. Jay Asher’s 2007 novel became a TV show in 2017, and for three seasons, Clay had to manage the traumas of his friends and acquaintances. As with Cal, Clay tries to show compassion. Like Cal, Clay needs resilience to endure the stressful world that adults can’t relieve.