Martian: The Saint of Loneliness

by James Cagney

Winner of the 2021 Academy of American Poets James Laughlin Award

A 2022 Los Angeles Times Book Prize Finalist in Poetry

A blistering exploration of America’s legacy of anti-Black violence from an indispensable poet of our time

American history got you down? Are you feeling alienated? Join poet James Cagney in his blistering second collection, The Saint of Loneliness , as he journeys through time, space, and memory with caustic, satirical beauty. Recall American history through its spent shell casings! Turn familial ghosts into art valuable for generations! In these fully charged poems, James Cagney storms through American fields blooming with artillery and anger on his thirsty quest for love, peace, and acceptance in the smallest, most precious gestures.

Genres: Poetry

160 pages, Paperback

Published September 27, 2022

About the author

James Francis Cagney Jr. was an American actor and dancer. On stage and in film, he was known for his consistently energetic performances, distinctive vocal style, and deadpan comic timing. He won acclaim and major awards for a wide variety of performances.

Reviews

[Ambrose Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

An unusual kind of poetry worth 4 1/2 stars.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A captivating collection of poetry connecting the reader to the real world, however beautiful or horrifying or everyday normal.

Part I perfectly captures the atmosphere of American life in the era of increasing gun-worship and violent responses at the least provocation.

"Ask Siri: How can I get home without being victim or witness to gun violence?" (Ah yes, I know this feeling, unfortunately.)

"Every mass shooting- and by Mass I mean 'Form of Warship '- is an infomercial for the NRA." (What hope do we have if members of Congress are a cult of cheerleaders funded by them?)

Further renderings capture a gentler, kinder time of life, as in "What Remains Eternal," ..."a clothesline a rotary phone Sears catalog "

In the words of the poet, "Perhaps, this book is a gallery to explore."

[Patricia N. McLaughlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This collection of poems is not for the faint of heart; it’s like a stress test that determines how much your heart can take until it breaks.

According to the poet, “this book is a gallery to explore. Some pieces might thrill you, others not so much. There is work here addressing police violence, guns, xenophobia, and death. These poems are childhood memories, erasures, dreams, meditations, and shouts into the void. Parental guidance is suggested.” —James Cagney

Favorite Poems:
“You Have the Right”
“Bullet Gumbo”
“Phantom Pain”
“Saturnalia”
“Toguna at 61st and Market”
“Wicked Game”
“Trigger Warning”
“Eighty-Eight”
“The Mask” (a masterpiece!)
“Martian”

[Kim Gilchrist · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never been a fan of poetry or verse novels but ever since I began working as a Middle School Librarian, I have felt the need to expand my tastes in different genres. I am grateful to have won this book in a recent giveaway because it is a beautifully written, very engaging collection of poems. I appreciate reading the perspective of the author and encourage others to educate themselves through literature like this. Well worth the short amount of time to read through and have already recommended it to several peers.

[Carla Schick · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Cagney is a brilliant poet who offers us much insight into our lives right now and , most importantly, his life as a black man in America.

I love his introduction where he speaks about his inspiration from a Rauschenberg exhibit, how turning everyday objects into something we examine with art can change our perceptions of the world.

A must read

[Sam E. · Rating 3 out of 5]

If I could have given it a partial start it would be 3.5 but it's fine. I do like some of the poems and how they're conveyed but there were a few that had an overused concept and meaning

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will be purchasing my own copy-so freaking good.