This Time: New and Selected Poems : Book Review

"This Time" by Gerald Stern is a poignant and powerful collection of poetry that delves into the universal themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. Through his lyrical and evocative language, Stern invites readers on a deeply personal journey, offering glimpses into his own experiences and reflections on the world around him.

At the heart of the book, Stern explores the complexities of love and relationships. His poems convey a raw and vulnerable emotion, capturing both the joy and heartache that come with deep connections. With the ability to infuse empathy into his words, Stern reminds us of the shared human experience and the power of connection.

In addition to personal relationships, Stern contemplates existential questions and the fleetingness of life. He poetically reflects on mortality and the inevitability of aging, urging readers to appreciate the present moment. Stern's words serve as a poignant reminder of the preciousness of time and the need to live fully.

Stern's writing style is both lyrical and evocative, painting vivid images that come to life on the pages of his poetry. Through his skillful use of metaphor and symbolism, he adds depth and layers of meaning to his words, inviting readers to explore the themes and emotions presented in each poem. The precision and care with which he crafts his work are a testament to his mastery of the poetic craft.

Overall, "This Time" is a deeply personal and resonant collection of poetry. Stern's ability to capture the complexities of human emotion and the passage of time is truly remarkable. After reading this collection, readers will be left with a renewed appreciation for life and the profound impact that words can have on our understanding of the world.

What are readers saying?

This Time, a compilation of poems by Gerald Stern, has garnered a mix of responses from readers. With an average rating of 3.64 out of 5 stars, reviewers have shared their thoughts on the poems themselves and the author's writing style.

A considerable number of readers appreciated the profound emotional impact of Stern's verses. They found his words to be powerful and evocative, exploring themes of love, loss, and the fragility of life. Reviewers praised Stern's ability to invoke strong emotions through vivid imagery and lyrical language. Some also commended the author for his honesty and vulnerability in addressing personal experiences, which added an authentic touch to his work.

On the other hand, some reviewers felt that the poems lacked coherence and failed to strike an emotional chord. These readers found Stern's writing to be overly abstract and disjointed, making it challenging to fully grasp the meaning behind the words. Critics remarked on what they perceived as a lack of structure and rhythm, which they believed hindered the overall impact of the poems.

Furthermore, a few reviewers commented on the repetition of certain themes and motifs throughout the collection. While some readers appreciated this consistency, others found it monotonous and detracting from the individual poems' impact.

Regarding style, several reviewers found Stern's unconventional approach to be refreshing. They appreciated his unique perspective, which challenged traditional norms and experimented with diverse forms and structures. However, this unconventional style also polarized readers, as some found it difficult to appreciate or connect with the poems due to their unconventional nature.

ThisTimeBook MustRead BookRecommendation