No Sign

Peter Balakian, the author of Ozone Journal and Pulitzer Prize winner, has released a new poetry collection that explores national and global cultural and political realities, including the challenges for the human species amid planetary transmutation and the impact of mass violence. The collection's centerpiece is No Sign, a dialogical multi-sectioned poem that depicts an estranged couple encountering each other on the cliffs of the New Jersey Palisades, reflecting on a kaleidoscopic memory spanning decades, including the geological history of Earth, the climate crisis, the film Hiroshima Mon Amour, the Vietnam War, a visionary encounter with the George Washington Bridge, and the enduring power of love. Balakian's layered, elliptical language, wired phrases, and shifting tempos engage both life's harshness and beauty, defining his inventive and distinctive style.

Format: Hardback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 21 March 2022
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

Peter Balakian, the acclaimed author of Ozone Journal and Pulitzer Prize winner, has unveiled a captivating new poetry collection that delves into the intricate tapestry of national and global cultural and political realities. Through his poetic lens, Balakian explores the profound challenges facing the human species as we navigate the transformative era of planetary transmutation and grapple with the devastating impact of mass violence on our selves and our collective culture.

At the core of this remarkable collection is "No Sign," a mesmerizing long-form poem that continues Balakian's renowned series of such works, following A-Train/Ziggurat/Elegy and Ozone Journal, which were featured in his previous two collections. In this captivating dialogical multi-sectioned poem, an estranged couple reunites after years on the breathtaking cliffs of the New Jersey Palisades. The ensuing dialogue unfurls like a kaleidoscope, revealing a rich tapestry of memories spanning decades, encompassing geological history, climate crisis, iconic films like Hiroshima Mon Amour, the Vietnam War, a visionary encounter with the George Washington Bridge, and the enduring essence of love.

Balakian's poetic language is a testament to his artistic brilliance, characterized by its layered, elliptical nature, intricate phrases, and shifting tempos. He skillfully navigates the juxtaposition of life's harsh realities and its breathtaking beauty, creating a unique and distinctive style that resonates with readers on a profound level. Whether he delves into the sensual allure of fruits and vegetables, reflects on the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, explores the trauma and memory of the Armenian genocide, or pays homage to James Baldwin's experiences in France or Arshile Gorky's artistic endeavors in New York City, Balakian's poetry captivates with its ability to evoke a range of emotions and provoke thought.

Through his poetic prowess, Balakian invites us to engage with the complexities of our world and to recognize the profound interconnectedness of our existence. His collection serves as a testament to the power of words to heal, inspire, and transform, reminding us of the resilience and beauty that can be found even in the darkest of times. As we immerse ourselves in the pages of this remarkable poetry collection, we are invited to explore the depths of our own humanity, to confront our challenges head-on, and to embrace the transformative power of love and compassion in shaping a better future for ourselves and generations to come.

Weight: 314g
Dimension: 235 x 163 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226784076