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They Talk Different Here
A stirring collection of poetry that will appeal to fans of The Sobbing School and A Fortune for Your Disaster.
They Talk Different Here, Etienne Toussaint’s much anticipated second collection of poetry, explores the journey of sons and daughters of immigrants across the contemporary American urban landscape. Each poem strings together a complex and rich story of the interiority of oppressed communities. A dynamic representation of figures with diverse ages and experiences are placed in conversation across the page, reflecting a shared search for belonging in a nation of foreign tongues. With poetic narrative storytelling that is simultaneously personal and political, They Talk Different Here provides a searing polemic against narratives of poverty in an age of social unrest.
Toussaint’s work is a clarion call for empathy and love. But most of all, it bears witness to the immigrant’s unwavering quest for freedom.
They Talk Different Here, Etienne Toussaint’s much anticipated second collection of poetry, explores the journey of sons and daughters of immigrants across the contemporary American urban landscape. Each poem strings together a complex and rich story of the interiority of oppressed communities. A dynamic representation of figures with diverse ages and experiences are placed in conversation across the page, reflecting a shared search for belonging in a nation of foreign tongues. With poetic narrative storytelling that is simultaneously personal and political, They Talk Different Here provides a searing polemic against narratives of poverty in an age of social unrest.
Toussaint’s work is a clarion call for empathy and love. But most of all, it bears witness to the immigrant’s unwavering quest for freedom.
Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
January 31, 2020
These are really beautiful poems. There are some haunting images. Really a good collection.
September 5, 2021
4.8 out of 5
I first came in contact with Etienne Toussaint on Instagram. He posted some of his work there, and I knew it was something special. It took a while to whittle down my To-be-read list. "They Talk Different Here" had been on that list for a year and half. It was well worth the wait.
What I loved
For me, it was insight into a wonderfully rich culture and I recognized the mark of corporate life right away. My favorite passages were "Attempts At Writing a Resignation Letter". Questioning the rat race in such a way, that if you have been there, you immediately recognize it, but also including his perspective as a black man navigating a white world. That wasn't the only poem that resonated. Throughout the entire book there was rich imagery, phrases I had to pause and contemplate, and then read again.
What I didn't like
I can't say there was anything I didn't like. This book needs to be out there more for sure. I'll do my part to make sure people are aware of it.
Overall
I think this is definitely one you want to put on your list.
I first came in contact with Etienne Toussaint on Instagram. He posted some of his work there, and I knew it was something special. It took a while to whittle down my To-be-read list. "They Talk Different Here" had been on that list for a year and half. It was well worth the wait.
What I loved
For me, it was insight into a wonderfully rich culture and I recognized the mark of corporate life right away. My favorite passages were "Attempts At Writing a Resignation Letter". Questioning the rat race in such a way, that if you have been there, you immediately recognize it, but also including his perspective as a black man navigating a white world. That wasn't the only poem that resonated. Throughout the entire book there was rich imagery, phrases I had to pause and contemplate, and then read again.
What I didn't like
I can't say there was anything I didn't like. This book needs to be out there more for sure. I'll do my part to make sure people are aware of it.
Overall
I think this is definitely one you want to put on your list.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews