
Lanternfly August
Robin Gow(Author)
Jerrod Schwarz(Editor)
Driftwood Press
Published on 24. October 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
100 pages
978-1-949065-28-2 (ISBN)
Description
In Lanternfly August, Robin Gow contends with the emotional implications of home through the lens of an often-demonized species of insect.
Lanternfly August by Robin Gow swirls the insect world and human identity into a fascinating mandala of self discovery and investigation. These poems use the lanternfly, an insect that is often regarded with disdain, as a lightning rod to channel thoughts about identity, gender, and self.
Many of these poems focus on the concept of returning home. Specifically, the tension of returning to a place that you feel nostalgia for, but a place that nonetheless you've grown past.
Tender but focused, Lanternfly August asks readers to question their relationship to the lanternfly. Why do we see it as a pest? Why doesn't it belong? What else in our lives do we hold in contempt, and why?
This collection also features a bespoke interview with the writer at then end of the book, delving deeper into the craft, influences, and life behind their work.
These complex poems also address place and the body in equal parts. Set against the thematic backdrop of the despised lanternfly, these poems consistently challenge humanity's responses to what we consider our home.
More details
Language
English
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Unsewn / adhesive bound
Dimensions
Height: 216 mm
Width: 140 mm
Thickness: 6 mm
Weight
138 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-949065-28-2 (9781949065282)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Robin Gow is a trans poet and YA/Middle Grade author from rural Pennsylvania. They are the author of several poetry collections including Our Lady of Perpetual Degeneracy. Gow also writes queer YA/Middle Grade novels such as Ode to My First Car, A Million Quiet Revolutions, and Dear Mothman. He manages community programs at Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center, building celebratory spaces for the local LGBTQ+ folks. As an autistic person, Robin feels passionate about celebrating neurodivergent folks in the queer community. They live in Allentown, Pennsylvania, with their partner, best friend, and pugs, Gertrude and Eddie.