like a solid to a shadow

A reissue of the Santa Clara County poet laureate's lauded second book that deals with translation, grief, and reflection of lineage and identity. It explores Sapigao's process of translating and transcribing her deceased father's love 'letters to her mother: cassette tapes recorded in Illokano, a language of which she has imperfect knowledge. The book asks "what can we really know?" about family lineages and personal histories through family trees, photos, and mapping.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 09 June 2022
Publisher: Nightboat Books

A reissue of the Santa Clara County Poet Laureate's highly acclaimed second book, which delves into the realms of translation, grief, and the profound reflection of lineage and identity, Like a Solid to a Shadow is a captivating documentary poetry collection that explores the depths of grieving, fatherlessness, and the inherent limitations of language. In her quest to unravel the love letters her deceased father left for her mother, Sapigao discovers a treasure trove of cassette tapes recorded in the Illokano language, a language she possesses only a fragmented understanding of. The book unfolds as Sapigao embarks on a transformative journey of translating and transcribing these cherished tapes, engaging in a playful exploration of the Ilokano and English languages. As she delves deeper into this linguistic tapestry, Sapigao raises thought-provoking questions about the extent of our knowledge when it comes to family lineages and personal histories. Through the meticulous artistry of family trees, photographs, and mapping, Sapigao articulates, distorts, and ultimately heals her understanding of the man who was her deceased father. This poignant and introspective exploration of loss, identity, and the complexities of language offers a profound testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the healing potential of introspection.

Dimension: 203 x 203 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781643621227