Winter Recipes from the Collective

Louise Gluck's thirteenth book of poems, Winter Recipes from the Collective, is a haunting chamber music that contains a lifetime of gifts and losses, old age, little princesses, an abandoned passport, and the joyful presence of the sun. It is a sustaining presence, the voice containing all our lifetimes, each more beautiful than the last, and could not have been written by anyone else or at any other time in her life.

Format: Hardback
Length: 64 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Carcanet Press Ltd

Louise Gluck's thirteenth book of poems, "Winter Recipes from the Collective," is a haunting masterpiece that delves into the depths of human experience. Like her previous work, "The Wild Iris," this collection features a chorus of speakers, but they are entirely human, simultaneously spectral and ancient. The poems are like chamber music, inviting the reader into a privileged realm where each instrument can be heard, dolente, its line sustained, carried, and then taken up by the next. The music is spirited, animoso, and expansive, capable of containing a whole lifetime's worth of gifts and losses, from the little princesses rattling in the back of a car to the abandoned passport, the ingredients of an invigorating winter sandwich, and the joyful presence of the sun, its brightness measured by the darkness it casts.

Throughout the book, Gluck explores the complexities of human existence, from the joys of childhood to the sorrows of old age. She captures the essence of life's fleeting moments and the profound impact they have on our souls. Her words are beautiful, evocative, and deeply moving, leaving the reader with a sense of awe and wonder.

One of the most remarkable aspects of "Winter Recipes from the Collective" is Gluck's ability to create a sustaining presence. Her voice contains all our lifetimes, all the worlds, each more beautiful than the last. The poet's words resonate with the reader on a profound level, reminding us of the interconnectedness of all things and the importance of cherishing every moment.

This magnificent book could not have been written by anyone else, nor could it have been written by the poet at any other time in her life. Gluck's poetic prowess and her ability to tap into the depths of human experience make "Winter Recipes from the Collective" a truly exceptional work of art. It is a testament to her talent and her unwavering commitment to the craft of poetry.

In conclusion, "Winter Recipes from the Collective" by Louise Gluck is a haunting masterpiece that explores the depths of human experience. Through her exquisite poetry, Gluck creates a sustaining presence that contains all our lifetimes, all the worlds, each more beautiful than the last. This book is a testament to her talent and her unwavering commitment to the craft of poetry. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of words to move and inspire.

Weight: 274g
Dimension: 159 x 236 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800171800