{"product_id":"return-flight-9781571315281","title":"Return Flight","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cblockquote\u003e\n\u003cbr\u003eReturn Flight is a 2021 Ballard Spahr Prize for Poetry winner that explores inheritance, body, trauma, desire, and the many tendons in between. It is a lush reckoning with the past, present, and future, featuring mountains, shapeshifting creatures, spirits, and gods. The poems travel through generations, cataloging familial wounds and beloved stories, and teaching us how history harrows and heals, often with the same hand, how touch can mean intimacy, and how one might find a path toward joy by keeping a hand on these memories. \u003c\/blockquote\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFormat\u003c\/strong\u003e: Paperback \/ softback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eLength\u003c\/strong\u003e: 96 pages\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublication date\u003c\/strong\u003e: 28 February 2022\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePublisher\u003c\/strong\u003e: Milkweed Editions\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSelected by Jos Charles as the winner of the 2021 Ballard Spahr Prize for Poetry, Return Flight is a rich and intricate exploration of inheritance, the body, trauma, desire, and the intricate connections that bind them together. When the poem asks, \"What name \/ do you crown yourself?\" Huang responds with a multitude of names, each one infused with rich cultural and mythological references. The landscape of Jennifer Huang's poems is a captivating blend of mystery and sensuality, reminiscent of a mythical goddess-prison called Yushan, which encompasses mountains, mother, men, and the self. Within this landscape, Huang depicts various elements as topographies to be observed and held, rather than objects to be claimed.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurthermore, the poems in Return Flight navigate through generations, tracing familial wounds and cherished stories across Taiwan, China, and America. Through vivid imagery and sensory details, Huang captures the essence of a contemporary life, reflecting it through the lens of the past. A grandfather's smile shining through rain, baby bok choy in a child's bowl, and a slap felt decades later are all depicted with exquisite precision, creating a map of a present-day existence that is simultaneously influenced by and shaped by its historical roots.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOne of the central themes of Return Flight is the profound impact of history on individuals and communities. The poem teaches us that history can both harrow and heal, often acting as a catalyst for transformation. Touch, in particular, is explored as a means of conveying profound emotions and connections. Huang shows how touch can be both intimate and ambiguous, capable of evoking a range of emotions from purple to blue. By exploring the complexities of touch, Huang invites us to consider the ways in which our past experiences shape our present and future.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAnother key aspect of Return Flight is the idea of finding joy in the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past. The poem suggests that by acknowledging and embracing our memories, we can cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to our past, even as we move forward in our lives. Through this approach, we can learn from our experiences, grow, and find meaning in the present.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIn conclusion, Return Flight is a stunning debut poetry collection that offers a profound and multifaceted exploration of inheritance, the body, trauma, desire, and the complexities of human connection. Through its rich imagery, sensory details, and thoughtful themes, the poem invites us to reflect on our past, present, and future, and to cultivate a sense of joy and fulfillment in the present moment. Jennifer Huang's poetic voice is a testament to the power of language to convey emotions, evoke imagery, and connect people across generations and cultural boundaries.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeight\u003c\/strong\u003e: 146g\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDimension\u003c\/strong\u003e: 216 x 141 x 13 (mm)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eISBN-13\u003c\/strong\u003e: 9781571315281\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Jennifer Huang","offers":[{"title":"Paperback \/ softback","offer_id":44098756772090,"sku":"9781571315281","price":9.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0522\/4297\/2845\/products\/noImage_1_dfb7f5af-7e65-46c6-96ed-be4832e5be5e.jpg?v=1661604916","url":"https:\/\/shulphink.com\/products\/return-flight-9781571315281","provider":"Shulph Ink","version":"1.0","type":"link"}