One of my purposes with carp(e) libris reviews has been to help you as a reader stretch out and discover literature you otherwise may not have found. I can’t ask you to try something out of the ordinary if I’m not willing to do it myself. For me, this reach is poetry – something I’ve always known I should grasp for, that it would fulfill a reading need of my own. And I have begun to search out poets to share here, in an effort to expand the horizons of my own bookshelf, along with yours.
Voice of Ice did something for me I cannot quite explain. So often with the craft of writing, pain is beauty. Voice of Ice by Alta Ifland is the perfect example. I can only imagine the poet being stopped by her own words as she wrote, just to weep. Alta Ifland is originally from Eastern Europe, and her feelings of being stuck between two worlds which are both and neither her own, is transcribed into her poetry.
Ifland’s poems hover in a dreamlike state, and I felt as though reading her words, I was reading my own half thoughts I’ve never dared express aloud. She’s made a beauty of what we have all struggled to understand about ourselves, trying to figure out where we fit into this very imperfect world. Her words are so personal that I hesitate to share with you how they touched me because if you read it (as I hope you do), you may learn too much about who I am. That, as I am learning, is good poetry.
Not only is this a stunning work to read, it is wonderful to hold and look at. The care with which Les Figues Press put the book together is apparent. It’s slender and a little weighty with a glossy cover and a beautiful work of art on the back. Danielle Adair has done the artwork for each book in the TrenchArt series of which Ifland’s is a part. I don’t always talk about the appearance of books, but I’ve noticed that independent presses have an artistic way of putting together a book that I appreciate. This one gets an A from me!
(Later Note: Alright, alright. P.J. Grath is correct – in the comments she mentions I’ve really raved about this book. This one really deserves the Goldfish Award, so I’ve come back and bestowed it upon this very worthy book. It’s been making me itch that I didn’t put it there in the first place. Carry on, dear readers.)
Now that I’ve got you wishing you could have your own copy, I do have one here for a giveaway. As always, subscribers are automatically entered into this and all future giveaways. Or you may leave a comment telling me what intrigues you about this book. Posting a link to this giveaway on your blog enters you as well. Do all three, and you have three entries. I’ll randomly choose a winner on April 5, 2008, at 12noon EST.
It sounds different from my usual reading list…different is good!
oh you made me want to read this book!
COOL
nice way to go
It’s been a long time since I’ve read any poetry, but your description makes me want to read this. And it also made me sign up so I’m alwasy entered in your drawings, even though I subscribe to your feed through Google Reader.
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oh, poetry. What a dream! sometimes I write poetry, or I used to in college…I love it…so intense and sincere and deep. this looks like a great one!
yay!
Poetry! Very good stuff. Relaxing.
i love to find poets to read that ive never heard of before
would love to read this one
Hi, You do find the most unusual and interesting books. Ones that I know I would have never heard of otherwise!
I also notice books and how intricate or otherwise how they have been put together. Book covers also catch my eye.
The fact that the title of this books is in two languages would have been something I would notice. Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks,Cindi
You’ve got me hooked–it’s not my usual reading choice, but I’m currently looking for something different. This sounds like it. Thank you for the contest!
I’ve read a few of her poems that were in another book of both prose & poetry. If I remember correctly, she has some tie to the Ukraine. Her book sounds like it’d be a great read. I know the few poems I did read of hers were very different than I expected.
i love poems and admire poets who craft words with beauty.
I adore poetry…but have never read this work…and from what I read here…it would be facinating to read and experience more great poetry..thanks
This delightful and unique poetry book beckons me. I am intrigued with your wonderful description of this lovely book. Thanks for this wonderful giveaway.
I’m always interested in a new voice in poetry
Sounds like a great book to read.
This is one of the most powerful raves I have ever read for a book of poetry. Obviously, you mean every word of it, so you’ve got me salivating for the book.
Thanks for the review, Diane. This sounds like poetry which reaches deep within the reader’s heart. I’ve written about it and your giveaway on my blog. I also put you in my blogroll as I think your reviews are quite insightful. Thanks, again.
Poetry is such a wonderful expression. When I am alone I like to read and poems. It is wonderful when a poet touches your soul as this author seems to have done! You have me very interested! Thanks
Sounds very personal and touching….. a beautiful piece of work!
Well, it’s time to try something new. Can’t wait to win this one, Thanks for the great give away!
I’d love to win this book. I’m always looking to discover new poets!
this book sounds very thought provoking and sensitive. it’s really great how she turned her complicated thoughts about life into poetry, that’s just great!
looks very interesting!
i love the idea behind this book, it sounds very moving and touching, i love poetry that makes you think!
Looks great – will read anything
Your review makes this sound like it would be wonderful for the spirit.
AWESOME
http://s3.excoboard.com/exco/index.php?boardid=3241
Sounds like an interesting read.
Meh…
I love dark poetry, I’d love to read it.
count me in
I think poems are inspritional!
I heart poetry; intriguing book title.
This looks like a great read, the poetry intrigues me!
I am from Eastern Europe too
I would love to win this,I have been up in down in life and I am sure there is a poem written for me in there.
The intensity of your description is what truly draws me… it sounds quite touching.
looks awesome would love to win it
I would love to win this
!Deep thought attracts
me to this book
I don’t normally read poetry; i dont really know why; but i love words that open the mind to new thoughts and possibilities; this sounds like it might be a nice slow read over a cup of tea or even a glass of wine
I write a lot of poetry on my other blog:
http://firmlyrooted.blogspot.com
Hence I read a lot of poetry too.
That is reason enough to be considered for this!
The feeling of being stuck between two worlds intrigues me as I can definitely relate to that.
Please enter me
just to cool
Poetry makes a wonderful outlet on a bad day.
I am intrigued by the melding of the Eastern and Western poetry.
As an ELL tutor, I work with students from other countries who are being immersed in an unfamiliar language (English). Currently, we are learning about poetry. I have a student who is intrigued by this craft, and this book is just the realia that I could use. Thanks for this opportunity.