The two books reviewed here represent the launch of the reborn Black Sparrow Press under the auspices of David R. Godine, Publisher. Very exciting. Let’s give them a big warm Boston welcome!
Poetry
Poetry Review: “The Mother House” — Poems with the Demeanor of Nuns
In these poems, contemplation, serenity, and service are the order of the day.
Poetry Review: The Verse of Rowan Ricardo Phillips — Let’s Get Weaponized?
Rowan Ricardo Phillips attempts to combine a woke perspective with his vast knowledge of poetry from the past.
Book Review: Robert Hass’ “Summer Snow” — Always Awake on the Coast
Wherever Robert Hass is, the poet drinks in (and reports to us) the details of place and human activity.
Poetry Review: Richard J. Fein’s “Whitman/Vitman” — A Vigorous Homage
It’s hard to think of a contemporary poet who has engaged so passionately and devotedly, over many decades, with a single forebear.
Arts Remembrance: A Tribute to Poet and Writer John Ash
We were both English-speaking ex-patriots living in Istanbul, and John Ash’s poetry spoke eloquently to that shared experience.
Poetry Review: Paul Muldoon’s “Frolic and Detour” — Making the Intricate and Difficult Seem Easy
Frolic and Detour contains a few poems that I judge to be instant classics of English-language poetry.
Poetry Review: “One Lark, One Horse” — Michael Hofmann’s Comic Skepticism
Michael Hofmann nicely captures our age of truthiness and alternate facts and multiple perspectives, the hollowness of everything from the news-cycle to pop-up restaurants, all of the distractions driven by money and advertising.
Poetry Review: “Come Closer and Listen” — Is Brusque and Amusing Enough?
In his new book, poet Charles Simic employs his customary strategies, but he seldom achieves the intensity he once did.
Poetry Review: “Frozen Charlotte” — Plenty of Pleasure
In Frozen Charlotte, Susan de Sola provides readers with enough aesthetic pleasure and thoughtful commentary about today’s world to remind us of just how good — and necessary — poetry can be.