Remedies for Disappearing

Alexa Patricks debut poetry collection Remedies for Disappearing explores the experiences of Black girls and women, moving from family history to adulthood and exploring the ways their experiences echo those of an expansive and intricate history. The collection is gritty, sharp, and formally inventive, demonstrating Patricks imaginative curiosity, lyrical restraint, and confidence in her handling of language. It is haunting and hopeful, connecting Black girls and women to each other and to their own histories and insisting that they be fully and wholly seen.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 90 pages
Publication date: 20 July 2023
Publisher: Haymarket Books

In her captivating debut collection of poetry, Alexa Patricks Remedies for Disappearing, she delves into the intricate tapestry of family history, the heartaches of navigating a predominantly white high school, and the transformative journey into adulthood. Through her poignant and evocative words, Patricks explores the resonant experiences of Black girls and women, tracing the echoes of a rich and complex history that spans generations.

Remedies for Disappearing weaves together a tapestry of memories, emotions, and experiences, showcasing the quiet and unexpected manifestations of Blackness. Patricks brings the periphery into sharp focus, challenging the notion of what it means to disappear in the face of adversity. These poems delve into the muddy waters of Black life and death, illuminating lineage and love stories while raising thought-provoking questions about the nature of Blackness and the bodies it inhabits.

With her gritty, sharp, and formally inventive style, Patricks showcases her imaginative curiosity, lyrical restraint, and unwavering confidence in her language. Remedies for Disappearing oscillates between moments of aphoristic confession and imagistic precision, as the speaker recounts the ways her aunties, sisters, and even herself have disappeared as a means of survival. Through her vivid storytelling, Patricks paints a vivid portrait of the complexities and resilience of Black girl/womanhood.

Remedies for Disappearing is a haunting and hopeful exploration of identity and belonging. Patricks poetry offers readers the tools and context to acknowledge, define, and honor the multifaceted nature of Black girl/womanhood. She connects Black girls and women to each other and to their own histories, insisting on their full and rightful visibility in the world.

In this collection, Patricks explores the themes of loss, resilience, and the search for self-discovery. She examines the ways in which Blackness has been erased, suppressed, and misunderstood, but also celebrates the ways in which it has been embraced, celebrated, and transformed. Through her poetry, Patricks offers a glimpse into the lives of Black girls and women, shedding light on their struggles, triumphs, and the indomitable spirit that propels them forward.

Remedies for Disappearing is a testament to the power of storytelling and the ability of poetry to capture the essence of human experience. It is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Black girl/womanhood and the rich tapestry of Black history. Patricks debut collection is a shining example of the talent and promise of emerging poets, and it is sure to leave a lasting impact on the literary landscape.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781642599138