Jersey Breaks: Becoming an American Poet

In late-1940s Long Branch, Robert Pinsky began his journey to becoming a poet, inspired by the rhythms and melodies of speech and the voices of his neighborhood. He traces the roots of his poetry to music, improvisation, and American tradition, and reflects on how writing helped him make sense of life's challenges. Jersey Breaks offers an intimate self-portrait and a unique poetic understanding of American culture.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2024
Publisher: WW Norton & Co

In the late 1940s, nestled along the historic Jersey Shore, Long Branch emerged as a run-down resort town, inhabited by a diverse community of Italian, Black, and Jewish families. Within this vibrant neighborhood, Robert Pinsky embarked on an extraordinary journey, destined to become a celebrated poet. Pinsky's lineage traced back to a bootlegger grandfather, an athletic father, and a rebellious tomboy mother, resulting in a unique blend of characteristics that shaped his indomitable spirit. Despite his mischievous nature, Pinsky possessed a remarkable ability to express himself with eloquence, driven by an insatiable fascination with the rhythms and melodies of speech. This profound obsession became the catalyst for his literary pursuits, inspiring him to embark on a poetic journey that would redefine the boundaries of expression.

Pinsky delved into the origins of his poetry, unearthing its rich and audacious tapestry. He traced the threads of his artistic expression back to the voices of his neighborhood, where the sounds of daily life intertwined with the melodies of music. Pinsky also drew inspiration from a distinct American tradition of improvisation, where artists embraced spontaneity and creativity to forge new paths. Among the influences that shaped his poetic vision were the iconic figures of Mark Twain, Ray Charles, Marianne Moore, Mel Brooks, Emily Dickinson, Sid Caesar, Dante Alighieri, and the Orthodox Jewish liturgy. These diverse influences intertwined to create a tapestry of words that resonated with Pinsky's unique perspective and artistic vision.

Reflecting on his poetic journey, Pinsky acknowledged the profound impact that writing had on his life. He discovered that poetry provided a means of making sense of the challenges he faced, including the traumatic brain injury his mother endured. Through his words, Pinsky found solace, healing, and a means of expressing the deepest emotions that often eluded him. Moreover, his notable public presence, including an unprecedented three terms as United States poet laureate, further solidified his status as a literary luminary.

Jersey Breaks, Pinsky's candid and engaging memoir, offers a profound self-portrait and a unique poetic understanding of American culture. Through his vivid prose, Pinsky invites readers into his world, sharing personal anecdotes and insights that shed light on his artistic process and the cultural landscape that shaped him. With a wry wit and a keen eye for detail, Pinsky weaves together a narrative that is both intimate and expansive, offering a glimpse into the soul of a poet who has left an indelible mark on the literary world.

In conclusion, Robert Pinsky's journey from a run-down Jersey Shore resort town to a celebrated poet is a testament to the power of words and the transformative impact of artistic expression. His unwavering dedication to the rhythms and melodies of speech, combined with his diverse influences, shaped his poetic vision and allowed him to navigate life's challenges with grace and resilience. Jersey Breaks, his candid and insightful memoir, offers a profound exploration of his artistic journey and provides a unique perspective on American culture. Pinsky's words continue to resonate with readers, reminding us of the power of poetry to heal, inspire, and connect us to the essence of our shared human experience.

Weight: 212g
Dimension: 140 x 209 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781324066071