Maxine Kumin Bücher

Exploring the life of a pioneering poet and feminist, the narrative follows Maxine Kumin from her Jewish upbringing in Depression-era Philadelphia to her transformative years at Radcliffe College, where she meets her future husband. It highlights her evolution from writing light verse to becoming a significant voice in poetry, known as a "poet of witness." The story culminates in her life on a rural New England farm, which serves as both the backdrop and inspiration for much of her later work.

Exploring themes of loyalty, longevity, and recovery, this collection features poems that pay tribute to renowned figures such as Wordsworth, Gorki, and Rukeyser. Kumin reflects on her connection to the land, suggesting that her poetry is deeply rooted in her surroundings and personal experiences. The work intertwines the natural world with the reverence for the past, creating a poignant dialogue between the living and the eminent dead.

Maxine Kumin's poetry intertwines nature with poignant human experiences, exploring the complexities of a long marriage filled with both joy and disappointment. The collection reflects on the passage of time and the inevitability of loss, culminating in the profound question of mortality. Her work is described as both "delicate and powerful," capturing the essence of life's bittersweet moments with grace and introspection.

Exploring themes of loss, youth idealism, and nature, this collection showcases early poems that reflect Kumin's introspective "sneakstorm time." Her earthy wisdom delivers a powerful lens on everyday life, intertwining elements of New England farm life, modern American history, and Jewish identity. The poems also convey a quietly vibrant feminist consciousness, highlighting the depth and breadth of Kumin's long and distinguished career.

"The power that Kumin draws from and brings to literature is potent and seemingly inexhaustible."—Booklist A landmark collection celebrating the remarkable range of Maxine Kumin, one of America’s greatest living poets. Where I Live gathers poems from five previous books, together with twenty-three new poems that pay homage to Kumin’s farm life and to poets of the past.

The collection showcases the evolution of Maxine Kumin's poetry over thirty years, highlighting her deep engagement with life's essential themes such as family, friendship, and the connection between humanity and nature. It also addresses profound topics like loss and survival, reflecting the richness of her artistic journey since her debut work, "Halfway." This volume serves as a celebration of her significant contributions to poetry and her exploration of the human experience.

The new wizard tries to solve all the town's problems, but carelessness with his own magic tears creates a tragedy instead

Focusing on the theme of death, this collection delves into the social implications of significant events like the Civil War bicentennial. Kumin reflects on the experiences of poets from diverse backgrounds while intertwining poems about the body and tributes to cherished animals. Through her exploration, she reveals how memory can both comfort and linger in the mind.

The narrative chronicles Maxine Kumin's remarkable recovery following a life-threatening accident involving her horse in 1998. Through her journal, she shares experiences from her time in a halo device during intensive care, the friendships formed during rehabilitation, and the unwavering support from her family. Kumin's reflections reveal deep insights and resilience, showcasing the profound connection between body and spirit. Esteemed writers commend her poetic sensitivity and the universal lessons drawn from her ordeal, highlighting her triumph over adversity.