After Every War

This collection reveals the experiences of nine women poets affected by World War II, showcasing their unique perspectives on resilience and loss in After Every War.

In After Every War, readers are invited to explore the profound impact of war on the lives of nine German-speaking women poets. This collection offers personal insights into how the devastation of World War II shaped their experiences of language, place, poetry, and womanhood. Each poet presents a unique perspective, revealing the ordinary moments that were forever altered by the cataclysmic events of their time. Through their evocative verses, they capture the bittersweet essence of life amidst chaos, illustrating how personal losses intertwine with public tragedies.

The poets featured in After Every War include notable figures such as Rose Ausländer, Nelly Sachs, and Ingeborg Bachmann. Many of these women faced the dual challenges of being both artists and witnesses to the horrors of the Holocaust, providing a rich tapestry of voices that reflect the complexity of their experiences. Their poetry serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience of the human spirit, as they reclaim the mundane moments of life that persisted even in the darkest times. From the imagery of a fruit dish on a table to the arrival of a lost soul at a railway station, these poems resonate with the weight of memory and loss.

Renowned Irish poet Eavan Boland translates and introduces this collection, drawing parallels between her own experiences of violence in Ireland and the struggles faced by these poets. Her intimate understanding of their work allows her to convey the beauty and depth of their words, transforming their poems into powerful documentaries of resilience. After Every War stands as a testament to the enduring strength of language and art in the face of adversity.