Timbrel

by Marianne Mersereau

Chapbook of narrative poems written in verse, named a Semi-Finalist in the 2012 New Women's Voices Chapbook Competition, Timbrel is divided into 3 sections or "songs" with the first two giving voice to female biblical characters, and the last a woman in Appalachia.

25 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Marianne Mersereau is a writer and artist currently residing in the Pacific Northwest. She grew up in Appalachia and graduated from the University of Virginia's College at Wise. While at UVA Wise, she received the Lois Lowry Award for Superior Achievement in Language Arts and Children's Literature and taught these subjects and others for a decade. She received her Master of Arts degree from Seattle University in 1989. She is the author of two books: "Timbrel" a chapbook of narrative poetry selected as a semi-finalist in the Finishing Line Press 2012 New Women's Voices Chapbook Competition, and a children's picture book, "The Green Lake Gifting Game" which was released May 2014. Her full length collection of narrative poetry (a memoir in verse set in Appalachia), "In the Grip of Grace" is forthcoming from Finishing Line Press (Release date: May 2024, preordering available January of 2024). Marianne is a performer of modern, folk, and sacred/liturgical dance, and enjoys gardening and floral design.

Reviews

[Isabelle B.L · Rating 5 out of 5]

A collection of verses featuring Biblical women: Miriam, Bathsheva, Talitha and Magdalene. The collection ends triumphantly with Dvorah's stance. Verse 7: Raising the Questions is particularly poignant. Marianne, through her stunning words, has evoked beautiful imagery and raised a number of important themes like gender inequality and what "preacher" means and should look like. This gifted poet has given a voice to those historically silenced.
In terms of presentation, I love the slim format, the gorgeous cover of different hands holding a Timbrel. Different generations of women holding the same Timbrel, forming a connection, dancing together to the same music, same vision.
Believers and non-believers alike can appreciate this lovely book for the themes raised and for its incredibly moving poetry. A spiritual journey, indeed.