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Eleanor Among the Saints

Exploring trans identity and faith through historical narratives

Rachel Mann author

Format:Paperback

Publisher:Carcanet Press Ltd

Published:25th Jan '24

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Eleanor Among the Saints cover

This collection explores the intersections of trans identity, faith, and myth, showcasing the resilience and joy found in diverse narratives like Eleanor Among the Saints.

In Eleanor Among the Saints, the author delves into the intricate interplay between trans identity, faith, and the boundaries of myth and language. This second collection invites readers to explore the profound questions and possibilities that arise when these themes intersect. The narrative is enriched by the historical figure of Eleanor Rykener, a medieval trans woman who navigated the complexities of her identity as a seamstress and sex worker, providing a unique lens through which to examine queer joy and counter-factuals.

The poems in this collection are not merely reflections; they are a vibrant exploration of the human experience, challenging conventional narratives and embracing the fluidity of identity. Through evocative language and imaginative storytelling, the author crafts a space where the struggles and triumphs of trans existence can be openly discussed and celebrated. The work stands as a testament to the resilience of those who have lived outside societal norms, offering both a critique and a celebration of the myriad ways in which identity can be expressed.

Eleanor Among the Saints is not only a poetic journey but also a call to acknowledge and honor the diverse stories that shape our understanding of identity. By intertwining personal and historical narratives, the author invites readers to reflect on their own beliefs and the societal constructs that influence them. This collection is a significant contribution to contemporary poetry, particularly in its exploration of themes that resonate deeply within the LGBTQ+ community.

'All poetry has something to do with bodies being transformed - whether in violence and grief, or in hope, in embrace, in miracle. Rachel Mann's brilliant collection is about these transformations, realised for us here with exhilarating verbal energy and emotional subtlety, a poetry that is solid and fluid at the same time, as bodies are.' - Rowan Williams;'Rachel Mann weaves an intricate web of language to examine the intimate relationship between the transforming, transformative body, between sexuality and spirituality, between religious ecstasy, fear and love. When Eleanor 'John' Rykener - a trans person living in medieval England - says 'I am not code for another's sins' she becomes utterly contemporary and timeless at the same time and we would all do well to listen.' - Kim Moore;'Nobody else could have written this: poems formed in the space where divinity, the body, trans identity and history fold together. A singular, sensational collection.' - Andrew McMillan

  • Commended for A Poetry Book Society Recommendation 2024
  • Short-listed for The T.S. Eliot Prize 2024

ISBN: 9781800173811

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

80 pages