Host

In her collection of raw, lyrical poems, Host explores parasitic relationships between men and women, sons and mothers, and humans and the Earth, questioning how much control we have over our lives and the extent to which we are being controlled. Coutley's poems examine legacies of abuse and explore how trauma parasitizes bodies, infecting the text and repeating the injuries the body has been subjected to. She also asks how people can heal from intergenerational trauma and mend themselves when they live on a planet they abuse daily.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 88 pages
Publication date: 31 March 2024
Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press

In her raw, lyrical poems, Host delves into the intricate tapestry of parasitic relationships, encompassing the profound connections between men and women, sons and mothers, and humans and the Earth. Throughout this captivating collection, the presence of flukes is ubiquitous, manifesting as both chance occurrences and flatworms altering the behavior of their hosts. These unsettling questions arise: How much control do we truly possess over our lives? To what extent are we subjected to external control? And in the grand scheme of things, how significant does this control truly hold?

Lisa Fay Coutley, in her poignant exploration, unveils the raw pain of mistreatment, whether inflicted intentionally or inadvertently. Through her poems, she delves into the haunting legacy of abuse, revealing how trauma seeps into the very fabric of bodies, infecting the text with its repetitive language and imagery, mirroring the injuries inflicted upon the body. How can individuals heal from the intergenerational trauma that permeates society? How can humans mend themselves when they perpetuate abuse on a daily basis against the very planet they inhabit?

These profound questions loom large, prompting us to reflect on the intricacies of human relationships and our responsibility towards the world we inhabit. Host's poetic voice serves as a powerful lens through which we can examine the complexities of power, control, and the human condition, challenging us to confront the darker aspects of our existence and strive for healing and transformation.

Weight: 116g
Dimension: 190 x 141 x 8 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780299347147