My Dark Horses
A daughter’s journey through music and family ties
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Liverpool University Press
Published:11th Apr '17
Should be back in stock very soon
This debut collection delves into the evolving relationship between a daughter and her mother in a musical family, showcasing powerful poetry and emotional depth.
In My Dark Horses, Jodie Hollander explores the intricate dynamics of family life through the lens of a daughter growing up in a household filled with music. The narrative intricately weaves together personal experiences and poetic reflections, capturing the essence of a mother-daughter relationship that evolves over time. As the daughter navigates her formative years, the backdrop of a musical family adds depth and richness to her journey, revealing both the joys and challenges inherent in such an upbringing.
The poetry within My Dark Horses is infused with references to Rimbaud, showcasing Hollander's ability to blend literary influences with her own unique voice. Each poem serves as a window into the emotional landscape of the characters, highlighting their struggles and triumphs. The surreal comedy of everyday life is a recurring theme, inviting readers to reflect on the absurdities and complexities of human relationships.
Ultimately, My Dark Horses is a powerful exploration of understanding and reconciliation. Through vivid imagery and musicality, Hollander captures the essence of familial bonds, illustrating how love and conflict coexist in the journey towards maturity. This debut collection is not only a testament to the power of poetry but also an intimate portrayal of the ties that bind us to our families.
'Compelling....obsessive....heart-rending'
Compass Magazine
'For some, childhood innocence erodes slowly with each new experience. The lucky ones get to occupy this safe, uncomplicated realm – at least for a time. The longevity of this illusion often depends on the adults around us. For Jodie Hollander’s protagonist, the illusion is broken at a young age, a recurring sensation that is explored throughout My Dark Horses.'
Lucy Winrow, The Poetry School
'This is a technically competent, enjoyable collection which will bear repeated re-readings. At its heart, it is a book about processing and recovering. You will feel your humanity strengthened by reading it.'
Charlotte Wetton, The High Window
'Magnificent...a vast pallette of emotion.'
Robert Ham, The Portland Mercury
'The nice thing about the expression “dark horse” is that it applies whether the horse wins or not: it captures the possibility of breakout, and then admits the unlikelihood of it.'
THINK
'Jodie Hollander’s powerful debut collection is as hypnotic and rich as a dream ... Hollander’s are finely tuned and strongly narrative poems, crafted with strong openings that immediately draw the reader in.'
Suzannah V. Evans, Times Literary Supplement
'The poems in this collection, both blunt and lyric, stoic and tender, roll over the palate like the flavors of a complex dish.'
Donna Vorreyer, Rhino Poetry
Reviews ‘A torrent of shocking and revelatory poetry simmers between the covers of My Dark Horses, pulling the reader in with the very first poem…It takes great courage to write of love, grief, abuse, and survival with such unflinching honesty.’
Erica Goss, Pedestal Magazine
ISBN: 9781786940049
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
64 pages