Your Native Land, Your Life: Poems - Hardcover

Rich, Adrienne

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0393023184 ISBN 13: 9780393023183

Publisher: Norton, 1986

Synopsis

The book includes two extraordinary longer the self-exploratory "Sources" and "Contradictions—Tracking Poems," an ongoing index of an American woman's life. The poet writes, "In these poems I have been trying to speak from, and of, and to, my country. To speak of a different claim from those staked by the patriots of the sword; to speak of the land itself, the cities, and of the imaginations that have dwelt here, at risk, unfree, assaulted, erased. I believe more than ever that the search for justice and compassion is the great wellspring for poetry in our time, throughout the world, though the theme of despair has been canonized in this country. I draw strength from the traditions of all those who, with every reason to despair, have refused to do so."

About this title

Reviews

Rich's new book, the latest product of 35 years of exploration of one of art's most demanding media, is a study in experience, politics and altruism. Rich, who might well have succeeded as a conventional poet, has instead dedicated her life to a poetry that is knowing, humane, gut-wrenching, useful and true. At heart she is possessed of the idea that if we can begin to know ourselvesin her case as woman, Jew, Americanwe can know others as well. The result is a voice synonymous with the voice of ordinary Americans, with the middle class and the poor, with the disenfranchised. This is the best of Rich's booksher continuing growth and development make each of her new books her best.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

In this book Rich outlines the terms of a life that chose her as much as she chose it. "Poetry never stood a chance of standing outside history" and "everything we write will be used against us." Ever self-critical, she is compelled to bear witness for the abused and unspeakable in our time. She is "sick of drift" and acknowledges the frustration of the poet who records ways "the wounded teach each other." Rich's characteristic outspokenness is here, but metamorphosed into compassion. These poems display the battle scars of trying to complete unfinished business, take the woman, poet, daughter, "Jew in solitude" out of the closet. Rich has passed beyond harangue and found another kind of political voice, very seasoned and moving. A major work. Rosaly DeMaios Roffman, English Dept. , Indiana Univ. of Pennsylvania
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Norton
• Publication date: 1986
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0393023184
• ISBN 13: 9780393023183
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 113