“These molten poems radiate with the ferocity of desire, and in them Erdrich does not spin verse so much as tell tales—of betrayal and revenge, of hunting and being hunted.” —Minneapolis Star Tribune
A passionate book of poetry from Pulitzer Prize-winning author Louise Erdrich.
In this important collection, Erdrich has selected the best poems from her two previous books of poetry, Jacklight and Baptism of Desire, and added 19 new poems. In an entirely unique fashion, Original Fire unfolds the themes and introduces the characters of some of Erdrich’s most acclaimed fiction. The beloved storyteller Nanapush, most recently seen in The Last Report on the Miracles at Little No Horse, appears in these poems as the questing rascal Potchikoo. And a series of poems called “The Butcher’s Wife”—dating from 1984—contains, in embryo, the story of her novel, The Master Butchers Singing Club.
Author Info
Louise Erdrich, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, is the award-winning author of many novels as well as volumes of poetry, children’s books, and a memoir of early motherhood. Erdrich lives in Minnesota with her daughters and is the owner of Birchbark Books, a small independent bookstore.
Reviews
“The poems are hypnotic and retain an emphatic passionate fire.” — Los Angeles Times Book Review
“Essential reading for fans of Erdrich’s fiction, this volume can be expected to draw poetry readers into the fold.” — Library Journal (starred review)
“Artistically impressive and highly entertaining.” — Miami Herald
“Erdrich is profoundly sensual, frankly bawdy and slyly comedic.” — Booklist
