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Imagined Sons
The book consists of two sorts of poems. The numbered “Imagined Sons” poems are little scenes where the author/narrator imagines, over a period of years, just what might have become of the son she gave up for adoption at birth in 1986. She imagines all sorts of destinies for him from the mundane (supermarket clerk) to the lively (singer-songwriter). Sometimes the scenes are realistic and sometimes they are steeped in the “visions” that evoke nightmares or practical jokes. The other “Birthmother’s Catechisms” poems present the author/narrator’s emotions more nakedly, in chorus-like laments for what might be or might have been.
- GenresPoetry
64 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 12, 2016
Carrie Etter’s stellar new volume, Imagined Sons, folds the wrenching passion of displaced motherhood into a fascinating sequence of poems. Etter writes with intelligence, imagination and style—and not a shred of sentiment. Each poem packs a profound surprise as the birthmother’s vision of a son reappears in guises equally palpable and surreal. Neither a memoir nor a narrative, the book opens lyric windows to interior experiences, and it rings with psychological truths. This gifted poet defines poetry as she wrestles with ambiguity.
June 21, 2015
I can’t remember how I was put on to Carrie Etter’s latest work, Imagined Sons. My taste in poetry runs more towards form and free verse with a distinct focus on sound and rhythm. That being said I found Imagined Sons as a whole product/project a powerful work. In this, Etter’s seventh collection she presents 38 poetically crafted scenarios similar to the one below. [The rest of the review can be read at my blog
June 12, 2016
This is powerful writing - haunting and sad. Like a eulogy for a lost child. Etter imagines the many guises that her lost son could take - both realistic and fantastical. This a poignant and beautifully executed book - but it is not an easy read and can stir up powerful emotions especially if you have had a child yourself.
January 20, 2018
A beautiful, haunting re-imagining of the possible versions of a son once given up for adoption. Strangers in the landscape might be him. The surfer son: "Never falling, he rides the wave." The Goth at the music store: "thinking to avoid him, thinking to meet." A wonderful invention; sad and miraculous.
March 16, 2015
A beautiful and yet bittersweet collection of poems from an author who was forced to give up her son at birth. Very poignant and emotional; I applaud Carrie Etter for sharing these feelings with strangers through her poetry.
April 18, 2015
Astonishing.
July 29, 2021
I bought this book 4 years ago then promptly lost it as it slid to the bottom of the magazine rack. I found it last night and have read it in two instalments, so much to savour and reflect on. Its simply wonderful, and deep and pitifully poignant. Prose poems of such depth, the apparent lightness of touch.. I'm still reeling...
October 27, 2017
It was interesting, but definitely not my cup of tea when it comes to poetry.
November 24, 2017
These poems will stay with me forever. Stunning, stunning, stunning.
January 23, 2018
Inspired
I read two poems from this collection in my poetry workshop and wanted to read the whole collection as a felt inspired by the theme and the style.
I read two poems from this collection in my poetry workshop and wanted to read the whole collection as a felt inspired by the theme and the style.
May 20, 2019
Oh so beautiful & full of heart
August 14, 2024
Thoroughly engaging and moving. Intriguing and heartfelt exploration of giving up a son for adoption and the repercussions that follow.
February 11, 2017
This is a book you will read again. This collection is an emotional, absorbing volume of works about a birthmother who gave up her son when she was very young. It comprises of 'Imagines Sons' works and 'A Birthmother's Cathachism' works.
Etter documents a series of scenarios in which she thinks she sees, hears or feels her son. My heart and empathy absolutely go out to her as I cannot imagine what it is not to know what your child is thinking, doing, feeling. Whether or not he looks like you. These are everyday scenarios that most of us take for granted - going to a supermarket, high school, crossing a bridge, eating in a restaurant. You strongly get the feeling that your mind and heart would never, ever forget.
''I'm sorry,' I whisper to the yams. 'Yes, your mother is at home.''
'Coins collected, I meet his gaze and shudder.'
She sees other women who might be mother to her son. She cannot reach him, no matter how hard she tries. The writing contains such yearning poured into subtle, quietly controlled lines. Some of the lines come at you like an unexpected slap. She imagines her son thus -
'...Your hands
clench, your face flushes as you chant, louder than the others,
'Whore, whore, whore.''
The Catechisms are heartbreaking. In them she finds many answers to the same questions.
'What is the anniversary of loss?
The wishbone snapped, and I clung to the smaller piece.'
'Why haven't you looked for him?
I could paper these walls with rejection slips.'
The last work asks the question, 'When will you let him go?' As a reader, you truly believe that for Etter, the answer, though steeped in pain and reflection, will be never.
It is not an easy book with gentle subject matter which I found difficult in places. It is a book I recommend. It's a book you won't forget.
Etter documents a series of scenarios in which she thinks she sees, hears or feels her son. My heart and empathy absolutely go out to her as I cannot imagine what it is not to know what your child is thinking, doing, feeling. Whether or not he looks like you. These are everyday scenarios that most of us take for granted - going to a supermarket, high school, crossing a bridge, eating in a restaurant. You strongly get the feeling that your mind and heart would never, ever forget.
''I'm sorry,' I whisper to the yams. 'Yes, your mother is at home.''
'Coins collected, I meet his gaze and shudder.'
She sees other women who might be mother to her son. She cannot reach him, no matter how hard she tries. The writing contains such yearning poured into subtle, quietly controlled lines. Some of the lines come at you like an unexpected slap. She imagines her son thus -
'...Your hands
clench, your face flushes as you chant, louder than the others,
'Whore, whore, whore.''
The Catechisms are heartbreaking. In them she finds many answers to the same questions.
'What is the anniversary of loss?
The wishbone snapped, and I clung to the smaller piece.'
'Why haven't you looked for him?
I could paper these walls with rejection slips.'
The last work asks the question, 'When will you let him go?' As a reader, you truly believe that for Etter, the answer, though steeped in pain and reflection, will be never.
It is not an easy book with gentle subject matter which I found difficult in places. It is a book I recommend. It's a book you won't forget.
January 5, 2020
[rating = A]
I absolutely loved this small collection. Dealing with a mother imagining various interactions with a son she gave away at birth, there is a wonderful play of imagination and possibility. She is not always the most poetic, in a traditional sense, but she creates these short prose-poems that really speak from the heart and question what it is like to want something that was lost long ago. This was a fast read, but certainly a heavy read at times. I really connected with the feelings of hope and of anxiety. A brilliant blending of poetry-prose and imaginative personal nonfiction.
I absolutely loved this small collection. Dealing with a mother imagining various interactions with a son she gave away at birth, there is a wonderful play of imagination and possibility. She is not always the most poetic, in a traditional sense, but she creates these short prose-poems that really speak from the heart and question what it is like to want something that was lost long ago. This was a fast read, but certainly a heavy read at times. I really connected with the feelings of hope and of anxiety. A brilliant blending of poetry-prose and imaginative personal nonfiction.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews