Mare's Nest

Mares Nest is the latest installment in the Sarabande Series in Kentucky Literature, exploring the meaning of a racehorse, particularly the broodmare and the foals she carries. It touches upon history, dreams, Southern family stories, and queer adolescence in the early aughts. The term "mares nest" refers to a muddled situation or an illusory discovery and serves as the central focus for Holly Mitchell's meditative debut.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 60 pages
Publication date: 06 July 2023
Publisher: Sarabande Books, Incorporated

The latest installment in the Sarabande Series in Kentucky Literature, Mares Nest delves into the tumultuous beginnings of a Kentucky horse farm. Written by Kentuckynative and Brooklyn-based poet Holly Mitchell, Mares Nest explores the enigmatic nature of a racehorse, particularly the broodmare and the foals she carries. Drawing inspiration from various sources such as Muybridge's The Horse in Motion and Patti Smith's album Horses, Mitchell weaves a tapestry of history, dreams, Southern family narratives, and queer adolescence in the early 2000s.

Colloquially, the term "mares nest" signifies a confused or illusory situation, and it can also refer to the gentle depression left by a horse lying in grass. Thus, the idea of a "mares nest" serves as the central theme of Holly Mitchell's meditative debut.

Mitchell's poetic language is rich and evocative, capturing the essence of the horse farm and its inhabitants. She skillfully blends imagery, metaphor, and sensory details to create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader. From the bustling barns to the serene pastures, Mitchell's prose paints a vivid picture of the daily life and struggles of the horse farm.

Through her exploration of the broodmare and her foals, Mitchell delves into the complex relationships and emotions that exist within the horse world. She examines the bond between mother and child, the pressures of training and competition, and the emotional toll of loss and grief. Mares Nest is a poignant and introspective work that offers a unique perspective on the world of horses and the human connections that surround them.

In addition to its literary merits, Mares Nest also serves as a tribute to the resilience and determination of the human spirit. Mitchell's portrayal of the horse farm's inhabitants showcases their strength and perseverance in the face of adversity. The book is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of literature to capture the essence of the human experience.

Overall, Mares Nest is a remarkable debut that showcases Holly Mitchell's talent as a poet and her deep understanding of the human-horse bond. The book is a must-read for anyone who loves horses, literature, or the complexities of the human heart.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781956046120