The Necessity of Wildfire: Poems

Caitlin Scaranos collection, "The Necessity of Wildfire," was selected as the winner of the 2023 Pacific Northwest Book Award for poetry and the Wren Poetry Prize, chosen by Ada Limón. The collection explores themes of family violence, escape, relationships, and sexuality, reflecting the author's experiences growing up in the South and living in the Pacific Northwest. It confronts a legacy of violence, the death of a father, the unraveling of relationships, and the complexities of sexuality, offering stories without monsters or morals while calling for mercy.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: John F Blair Publisher

Winner of the 2023 Pacific Northwest Book Award for poetry, Caitlin Scarano's collection "The Necessity of Wildfire" delves into profound themes such as family violence, escape from home, unraveling relationships, and the intricacies of sexuality. The opening poem, "To not harm / each other is not enough. I want to love you / so much that you have no before," sets the tone for the collection, exploring the profound question of how our origins and identities shape our capacity for love. Judge Ada Limón praises the resulting collection as "hungry, clear-eyed, tough, and generous."

Scarano's poetic imagination is sparked by her experiences growing up in the South and residing in the Pacific Northwest, where she witnesses the devastating effects of floods and wildfires, as well as the interplay between humans and animals in the region. In this collection, Scarano confronts a legacy of violence on both sides of her family, the loss of her estranged father, the dissolution of long-term relationships, the complexities of her sexuality, and the decision not to have children. Through her fierce lyricality, these poems refuse to offer easy redemption or blame, instead calling for compassion and understanding.

"The Necessity of Wildfire" is a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human experience, offering a nuanced and compassionate perspective on the complexities of love, loss, and identity. Scarano's poetic language is rich and evocative, drawing the reader into her world and leaving them with a lasting impression. This collection is a must-read for anyone who appreciates poetry that challenges societal norms and encourages empathy and understanding.

Dimension: 177 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781949467789