Century: Poems

The Century is a collection of poetry that explores the structures of dominance and violence, including the Holocaust, nuclear weapons, American slavery, and its lingering aftermath. It is a reminder that each new century brings with it an invitation to join ongoing movements of resistance and hope.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 29 October 2020
Publisher: Milkweed Editions

The Century, a powerful and thought-provoking poetry collection, has been recognized with the 2021 Maine Literary Award in Poetry. A Literary Hub "Most Anticipated Book of 2020," it delves into a meticulous catalog of ordinary individuals engaging in acts of extraordinary violence. This work stands as a testament to the awakening to the structures of dominance and violence that permeate our world.

In the tradition of witness poetry, The Century unravels the everyday horrors that perpetuate acts of violence, such as the Holocaust, the deployment of nuclear weapons in Japan and Iraq, American slavery, and its lingering aftermath. Éireann Lorsung's poignant words evoke a sense of haunting simplicity when she writes about death and dying, capturing the essence of bodies in the fields transforming into fields.

However, these poems do not merely witness; they also resist and serve as models for resilient lives. Lorsung challenges traditional forms and grammar, deconstructing constructions of time and geography. Through her poetic lens, she traces decades of technological, geopolitical, and cultural shifts across generations and continents, highlighting the persistence of networks of dominance. The Century is elusive yet compelling, leaving a lasting impact on the mind.

This collection serves as a reminder that each new century, decade, or year presents an opportunity to join ongoing movements of resistance, finding pockets of hope amidst the waters we navigate. It encourages us to confront the darkness and work towards a more just and equitable world. The Century is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire change and ignite the flames of hope in our hearts.

Weight: 234g
Dimension: 214 x 163 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781571314833