Strange Borderlands

by Ben Berman

Poetry. STRANGE BORDERLANDS, Ben Berman's first full-length collection, counterpoises insights with uncertainties while chronicling the poet's immersion in a new culture. In compelling metrical, free verse and prose poems, Berman provides a vivid narrative of exotic adventures, especially his Peace Corps service in Zimbabwe--the people, the land, and his "struggling with the blurred lines of where things end" on his return home. This distinctive collection can go from humorous to heartbreaking, and is spellbinding from start to finish--a rare achievement."Ben Berman's lyric poems set in Zimbabwe dig deep into the casual and the casualty of daily life: the hammer striking the sheep's head, the sustenance that follows; disciplinary beatings that students, giggly and protesting, could count and count on to fade. Unassuming but wise, compassionate yet wildly, unpredictably funny at times, Berman delivers to us escalating hardships that somehow elevated us toward the sacred; the pathetic harvest and sweetness that comes from the least likely of places. This least likely of places is where Berman thrives, calling on closely observed facts to chronicle the perimeters of tenderness and cruelty. I believe every word in this collection. This is an unforgettable debut by a powerful and humble voice."--Dzvinia Orlowsky

Genres: Poetry

104 pages, Paperback

First published December 31, 2012

Reviews

[Steven Godin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It didn't matter that they were goats.
Everywhere I looked, back then, I saw death,
teasingly avoidable and unsheathed.
If they'd just eaten the grass that their ropes
were tied to, they'd have been free. But, like boats
tied to a harbor, they drifted and stretched
to eat the weeds in the choking distance, their necks
now noosed because they did not dream or hope
for anything more than a lazy graze.
Hell, a herd boy could have flashed his knife
right in front of them and they'd have continued
chomping away, focused on the thin blades
of grass. And still, we go on, praising grassroots
and the sanctity of this short and sweet life.

[Janet Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I consumed this book on one New England winter Sunday. The author transports you to Zimbabwe as a Peace Corps volunteer. The experience is deeply raw and disturbing in ways most of us never get to experience. This books offers a window into that experience. It is honest, witty, and skillfully crafted.

[Robert Uttaro · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Strange Borderlands” is the best book of poetry I have ever read. Ben Berman's poetry is deeply moving, raw, funny, engaging, sad, and insightful. Strange Borderlands touches upon a variety of life issues through one man’s journey as a peace corps volunteer in a completely foreign land to him. I’m sure Ben’s experiences in Zimbabwe have completely changed his life, and I am thankful for his vulnerability in sharing his beautiful poetry with the world. Amazing writing. I highly recommend this book to all. Everyone should read it.

[Katy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not so surprising to learn that my friend Ben Berman, who had an amazing facility for both Shona language and culture, is a marvelous poet, too. I bought this for my library; now I must buy one for myself so I can re-read it.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is beautifully written and brought back so many memories of my time as a Peace Corps volunteer in Zimbabwe.