Nocturne

Jodie Hollanders second collection of poems explores the emotional journey of a daughter of a professional classical pianist, navigating family dysfunction and musical obsession while seeking refuge in the natural world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 94 pages
Publication date: 01 April 2023
Publisher: Liverpool University Press

Longlisted for the Laurel Prize 2023, this captivating second collection by Jodie Hollanders transports readers to a vibrant world of dreams, ghosts, classical music, and Key West storms. Through her poignant and evocative poems, Hollanders delves into the emotional journey of the daughter of a professional classical pianist, exploring the intricate complexities of family dysfunction and musical obsession. With a rich musicality and a fierce emotional honesty, these bold and arresting poems traverse the landscape of the human condition, offering refuge in the natural world.

Hollanders' poetic language is vivid and evocative, painting vivid images of the world around her. From the bustling streets of New York City to the serene beaches of Key West, her poems capture the essence of different environments and emotions. The musicality of her writing is particularly striking, as she seamlessly weaves classical music into her poems, creating a sense of harmony and dissonance that reflects the emotional turmoil of her characters.

One of the central themes of the collection is the complicated repercussions of family dysfunction and musical obsession. Hollanders explores the ways in which these two forces can shape a person's identity and relationships, both within and outside of the family. Through her characters, she shows how the pursuit of musical excellence can be both a source of joy and a source of pain, as it can strain relationships and lead to self-destruction.

At the same time, the collection also celebrates the power of music to heal and transform. Hollanders shows how music can provide solace and comfort in times of distress, offering a means of escape from the challenges of everyday life. Through her characters' relationships with music, she explores the ways in which it can connect people and create a sense of community.

Overall, Jodie Hollanders' second collection is a powerful and moving exploration of the human condition, offering a nuanced and compassionate portrayal of the complexities of family, music, and the natural world. Her bold and arresting poems are rich with musicality and emotional honesty, making them a must-read for anyone who appreciates poetry that pushes the boundaries of form and content.

Dimension: 189 x 118 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781802078138