Ricantations

Ricantations by Loretta Collins Klobah is a collection of poems that explore the multi-layered reality of Puerto Rican life, revealing a society under pressure and a society that is plagued by despair. The poems blend New World English and Spanish, with the reader picking up the precise, word-loving, observant rhythms of the poet's own voice.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 128 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2018
Publisher: Peepal Tree Press Ltd

Ricantations, a collection of poetry by Loretta Collins Klobah, showcases her exceptional talent as a poetic storyteller with a compassionate and radical womanist perspective. Klobah's poems delve into the multi-layered reality of Puerto Rican life, where shiny modernity coexists with the presence of spiritual entities. Through her vivid and evocative imagery, she captures the essence of various subjects, including Velasquez's paintings of a hyperphagic child, a stray horse, homunculi in glass bottles, a butterfly farmkeeper, a high-wire circus family, and the ironic connection between Nathan Leopold and Puerto Rican bird life.

The poems in Ricantations take readers on a journey from fantastical premises to the hidden heart of Klobah's islands, unveiling a society grappling with multiple pressures even before Hurricane Maria. The title poem, in particular, offers a brilliantly hallucinatory portrayal of the aftermath of the hurricane, highlighting the resilience and strength of the Puerto Rican people.

Klobah's poetry seamlessly blends New World English and Spanish, creating a rich tapestry of language and culture. However, it is her unique voice that truly shines through, characterized by precise, word-loving, and observant rhythms. This voice possesses a sense of humor, evident in witty sequences of Jamaican poems that explore the allure of larger-sized women to men.

In addition to the broader societal themes, Ricantations also delves into more personal and intimate aspects of Klobah's life. She explores memories of her mother's psychiatric hospitalisation, her own struggles with size and health, and the vulnerability of the body in the face of natural disasters. These poems offer a deeper understanding of Klobah's experiences and provide a poignant reflection on the human condition.

Overall, Ricantations is a remarkable poetry collection that showcases Loretta Collins Klobah's poetic prowess and her ability to capture the essence of life's complexities. Through her compassionate and radical womanist vision, Klobah invites readers to explore the multi-layered reality of Puerto Rican life and to reflect on the human experience in all its forms.

Weight: 176g
Dimension: 137 x 207 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845234232
Edition number: None ed.