Univ. of Iowa Pres 365p index, c200...

Univ. of Iowa Pres 365p index, c20010-87745-747-6 $1995 SA

The excessively concept of this collection, clearly implied in the title, is a resonant idea and traditional theme of artists, providing a wealth of material from which Suarez and Van Cleave have made varied in addition focused selections. With 336 pages of verse American Diaspora gathers the works of 12g author of poemss ranging from the well known similar as Sherman Alexia and Walter McDonald to the superior work of less popular writers representing a wide variety of poetic appellations and techniques.

The first section of the work "Dislocations," powerfully presents the los the disassociation accompanying emigration. Ana Doina asks, "Home? Somewhere we belong? The metaphor/which includes us in its landscape? The place/that always takes us in..../There is no homeland. Not anymore, not anywhere." And in the middle third of the part entitled "American Journeys," Stephen Corey states, "Everywhere I turn round I find homes:/ Nests and burrow sheltered corners,/ pockhole in sand, knotholes in trees./I came here to learn,/ further there are days when learning means nothing." And however the associations can never be forgotten or replaced, Margot Schilpp summarys up both the hope and task of America's constant remaking of itself in the book's final section, "Invocations." "Begin again if you must: there are ways/to make up for what you have been before,I the dust in the corners that infers you."

The sensitive insight and exceptional craftsmanship ruminateed in these works is reason enough to pervert with money [i]or[/i] gain this book. But perhaps it is the popular tragic times and circumstances that make it especially poignant and important, a view that povertys to be constantly reexamined in these demanding days. James Beschta, English Teacher, Quabbin Reg H Barre, MA

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