Prelude: Poems

Prelude is a poem that explores the gay female experience by recreating Saint Catherine of Siena's girlhood and adolescence through a poetic persona. It addresses the historical erasure of gay women's lives and juxtaposes details from her childhood with the terrain of the lesbian body as it relates to desire and violence.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 72 pages
Publication date: 19 May 2022
Publisher: University of Pittsburgh Press

Prelude delves into the intricate tapestry of the gay female experience, offering a poignant and poetic reimagining of Saint Catherine of Siena's childhood and adolescence. Through the captivating voice of Catherine of Siena, Prelude confronts the historical erasure of gay women's lives, skillfully juxtaposing vivid details from her formative years with the complex terrain of the lesbian body, as it navigates the realms of desire and violence.

In this captivating exploration, author Emily Gould weaves a rich tapestry of words, capturing the essence of Catherine's journey from girlhood to adolescence. Through the poetic persona of Catherine, Gould delves into the nuances of her experiences, exploring the complexities of gender identity, sexuality, and the societal pressures that shaped her life.

The novel's poetic language adds a layer of depth and emotion to the narrative, allowing readers to intimately connect with Catherine's thoughts and feelings. The vivid descriptions of her childhood, filled with longing, curiosity, and the suppressed desires of her heart, provide a poignant backdrop to the unfolding story.

As Catherine grows into adolescence, she faces the challenges of societal expectations and the oppressive forces of religion. Gould skillfully weaves these themes into the narrative, highlighting the struggles and resilience of gay women in historical contexts. The portrayal of Catherine's relationships with other women, both romantic and platonic, adds another layer of complexity to her journey, exploring the complexities of love, desire, and the search for self-identity.

Prelude is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of gay women, showcasing their ability to transcend societal norms and forge their own paths. Through Catherine's story, Gould offers a poignant reflection on the historical erasure of gay women's lives and the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.

This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of the gay female experience, offering a profound and thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of navigating a world that often seeks to silence and marginalize.
Prelude is a profound and evocative exploration of the gay female experience, offering a poetic reconstruction of Saint Catherine of Siena's girlhood and adolescence. Through the captivating voice of Catherine of Siena, author Emily Gould delves into the historical erasure of gay women's lives, juxtaposing vivid details from her formative years with the complex terrain of the lesbian body as it navigates the realms of desire and violence.

In this captivating narrative, Gould weaves a rich tapestry of words, capturing the essence of Catherine's journey from girlhood to adolescence. The poetic language adds a layer of depth and emotion to the story, allowing readers to intimately connect with Catherine's thoughts and feelings. The vivid descriptions of her childhood, filled with longing, curiosity, and the suppressed desires of her heart, provide a poignant backdrop to the unfolding story.

As Catherine grows into adolescence, she faces the challenges of societal expectations and the oppressive forces of religion. Gould skillfully weaves these themes into the narrative, highlighting the struggles and resilience of gay women in historical contexts. The portrayal of Catherine's relationships with other women, both romantic and platonic, adds another layer of complexity to her journey, exploring the complexities of love, desire, and the search for self-identity.

Prelude is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of gay women, showcasing their ability to transcend societal norms and forge their own paths. Through Catherine's story, Gould offers a poignant reflection on the historical erasure of gay women's lives and the ongoing struggle for equality and recognition.

This novel is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the rich tapestry of the gay female experience, offering a profound and thought-provoking exploration of identity, love, and the complexities of navigating a world that often seeks to silence and marginalize.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780822966883