Averno

Explore the haunting world of 'Averno', a masterful reimagining of the Persephone myth that leads you to the ancient Roman entrance to the underworld. This 2021 B-format paperback, published by Penguin UK, consists of 96 pages filled with beautifully crafted poetry that delves deep into themes of grief, loss, and renewal. Each poem is a luminous testament to the complex emotions surrounding a mother’s possessive grief, the memories of an abducted girl, and a farmer's mournful reflection on lost harvests. The verses invite readers to confront sorrow without providing a simple resolution, fostering a profound understanding of life's cyclical nature. 'Averno' does not shy away from the raw power of lamentation; instead, it reveals the ecstasy intertwined with inevitable loss, showcasing the Earth’s relentless and impersonal presence. Perfect for lovers of contemporary poetry and those fascinated by myth, this unique collection from a talented voice is sure to resonate with anyone exploring the dichotomies of existence. Delve into the subtle interplay of light and dark within this extraordinary work, and uncover the delicate balance between hope and despair that defines the human experience.

Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780241526002
Format: B-format paperback
Year: 2021
Publisher: Penguin UK
Pages: 96


Description:
This startlingly original reworking of the Persephone myth takes us to the icy shores of Averno, the crater lake regarded by the ancient Romans as the entrance to the underworld. Here, the consolations of rebirth and renewal are eclipsed by the immediacy of loss - by a mother's possessive grief, an abducted girl's equivocal memories, a farmer's lament for a lost harvest. This chorus offers neither comfort nor solace but deepened understanding, its sorrow textured by the poet's luminous wit. Together, the poems of Averno swell to a staggeringly powerful lamentation, through which the reader glimpses the ecstasy of the inevitable, only to find it resisted by the insistent, impersonal presence of the Earth.