This award-winning poetry collection explores the complex interplay between beauty and tragedy, as well as the sacred and the profane. Through evocative language and imagery, it invites readers to reflect on profound themes, making for a deeply moving and thought-provoking experience.
Absence and trespass are central themes in this collection of poems, where the tension between the known and the unknown creates a haunting atmosphere. The verses explore unsettling occurrences, such as missing children and elusive dogs, blending the mundane with the uncanny. A standout piece delves into the life of a sixteenth-century Hungarian countess, revealing her insatiable desires. Kate Northrop's masterful language and evocative imagery make this work both beautiful and eerie, inviting readers into a world where the familiar becomes unsettling.
When Penny Plage wakes up in the hospital, she has no idea who she is, where she is, how she got there—or even which man she loves. Does she belong with Tom, her aloof but disarmingly attractive artist ex-husband who looks great in his jeans and with whom she still shares a house and a dog? Or is she in love with George, her handsome boss in the designer suit who would do anything for her? As Penny begins to piece together her past with the help of her devoted—and highly opinionated—BFFs, she discovers that she has a once-in-a-lifetime chance to begin anew. Although amnesia is no picnic, there’s a surprising amount of fun and laughter to be had in reinventing her life in ways she never, ever expected. A frothy and fast-paced comedy that reveals the many quirks of the human heart, Forget Love reminds us that a good man, a couple of best friends, and a loyal dog can get us through just about anything.
Exploring the juxtaposition of presence and absence, Kate Northrop's work presents vivid imagery of everyday life, from a man on a roof to children playing at night. It captures the essence of seasons and emotions, blending certainty with uncertainty through striking scenes like a storm drain and a dog in a pond. The narrative invites readers to perceive the world differently, emphasizing the fleeting nature of experiences and the layers of reality that shape our understanding. Each moment is a glimpse into the beauty and complexity of life.
The poems explore the delicate boundaries between the natural and supernatural, vividly portraying the American landscape through mist and snowfall. They illuminate both familiar and bizarre figures, such as stray dogs and wandering individuals, while evoking a sense of mystery. The imagery is rich and evocative, with phrases that suggest deeper themes of connection and transformation, as seen in "fields rising . . . like a shroud / Or a female voice."