sidra reviewed Firstborn by Louise Glück (American poetry series -- 26)
Review of 'Firstborn' on 'Storygraph'
3 stars
From these shallows expands
The mercy of the sea.
My first house shall be built on these sands,
My second in the sea.
— PHENOMENAL SURVIVALS OF DEATH IN NANTUCKET
I've only read A Village Life by Glück so far, which was published almost after 40 years of Firstborn. The difference between the two is palpable. Firstborn is quite grim and personal, and I was amazed to see Glück following a form for her poems. I'll definitely say that she's improved, not that Firstborn was bad. I just think it didn't work as a collection.
From these shallows expands— PHENOMENAL SURVIVALS OF DEATH IN NANTUCKET
The mercy of the sea.
My first house shall be built on these sands,
My second in the sea.
I've only read A Village Life by Glück so far, which was published almost after 40 years of Firstborn. The difference between the two is palpable. Firstborn is quite grim and personal, and I was amazed to see Glück following a form for her poems. I'll definitely say that she's improved, not that Firstborn was bad. I just think it didn't work as a collection.
