Deep Are These Distances Between Us

Susan Atefat-Peckham's collection of poems, Deep Are These Distances Between Us, explores the lives of Persian and Iranian Americans, challenging preconceptions of nationhood and power and offering glimpses of familial love and intimacy. She articulates a spirituality that transcends spatial and temporal boundaries, emphasizing the need for empathy in a time of conflict. Atefat-Peckham's poetry represents the experiences of immigrants in the United States and Persians in Iran, highlighting the distance between their experiences and the love that binds them together.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 06 June 2023
Publisher: CavanKerry Press

In her remarkable collection, Deep Are These Distances Between Us, Susan Atefat-Peckham challenges prevailing notions of nationhood and rigid power structures by immersing the reader in the intimate realm of the Iranian American home. Through her poignant verses, she offers glimpses into the profound bonds of familial love and connection, illuminating the rich tapestry of Iranian American lives. Atefat-Peckham skillfully weaves a network of care, drawing upon the power of poetry to evoke the breathtaking landscapes that shape these experiences. This collection serves as a profound exploration of empathy, transcending spatial and temporal boundaries, as it seamlessly traverses the realms of life and death.

Atefat-Peckham, a talented poet who tragically passed away just four years after securing the National Poetry Series Award in 2000, was deeply troubled by the Islamophobic "Axis of Evil" rhetoric that emerged following the 9/11 attacks. She remained skeptical of the United States' attempts to "democratize" the Middle East, recognizing the complexities and nuances of the region's political landscape. Through her poetry, Atefat-Peckham represents the lives of immigrants in the United States, as well as Persians in Iran, highlighting the vast disparities between their experiences and the enduring love that unites them.

In her collection, Atefat-Peckham brings forth an essential voice to the ongoing conflict, one that focuses on the intimate aspects of family and home. She juxtaposes the oppressive forces of imperialism with the glimpses of intimacy and care that thrive amidst these challenges. Her poetry explores the complexities of identity, culture, and displacement, offering a poignant reflection on the human experience and the resilience of the human spirit.

Deep Are These Distances Between Us is a testament to Susan Atefat-Peckham's profound artistry and her unwavering commitment to social justice. Through her poetry, she invites us to bridge the gaps between different cultures, to cultivate empathy and understanding, and to recognize the beauty and resilience that can be found even in the face of adversity. This collection is a must-read for anyone seeking to expand their horizons and explore the rich tapestry of human experiences.

Dimension: 9 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781933880969