Arthur Sze

Sze's style is to crowd image upon image, the showy and the modest, natural phenomena and human drama, packing them in so tightly that the reader is almost dazzled by the abrupt shifts. In this way he says something about the variety of existence on earth. It is at a pole apart from confessional poetry, with the author's voice kept detached from the subjects being discussed, which makes the reader think more in terms of editorial choices which went into the poetic collage. I think someone show more who goes in with an expectation of a single message carried by a particular poem will be disappointed, whereas one who takes the time to feel each finely detailed element and consider how it fits or conflicts with its neighbors might have a better appreciation of what the poet intends. show less

This an award winning poetry collection and its easy to see why. Two things stand out to me. First, the visual images that Mr. Sze paints make what people would generally think of as ordinary in words that give them great significance and beauty. Secondly, many single sentences stand alone and are both thought provoking and beautiful. This makes multiple readings of the book rewarding and you learn new things each time. Great collection.

Many poems in this collection focus on New Mexico, where Sze currently lives. He does a magnificent job with the desert, the seasons, fire, water. Other poems reflect his Chinese heritage, and others have to do with travel. Relationships, the passage of time, cooking, cars, and daily life exist within the same poems.

Peonies, mushrooms, and spotted towhees show up in multiple poems.

This is the last of the 2019 National Book Award for Poetry finalists for me, and this is the winner. It wasn't show more my favorite of the five, but was a solid 2nd or 3rd favorite for me. show less

This is a book of poetry and I am not really much of a poetryphile, so bear this in mind when reading this review. Mr. Sze is not Robert Frost or Lord Byron. That said, he has his moments and the appreciation of poetry is in the eye of the reader or the ear of the listener. In short, you will either like his poetry, or you will not. What I think about it is quite irrelevant. 'Nuf said on that. The book itself has a cover made from hand-made paper. It was printed by means of letterpress, then show more hand-sewn with Irish linen thread. Both the presswoman and the poet have signed copy 103 of 134. All in all, it's a fine example of modern poetry and the bookmaker's art. As of this review, St. Brigid's press still had some copies, but no guarantees beyond that. show less