Thai Binh

by Kevin Bowen

Poetry. "Kevin Bowen's poems are powerful, authoritative and essential. They bring news from a world much of America has turned its back on, and they do so without bitterness or rancor, offering instead profound testimony of love and compassionate wisdom. This is some of the most important and accomplished poetry I've read in a long time"--Sam Hamill.

56 pages, paperback

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Ariel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bowen's poems center around Viet Nam in the aftermath of the American war. Sympathetic to the Vietnamese perspective, it nevertheless fails to truly communicate that with clarity or emotional resonance, at least for me. I liked several of these poems, but only liked. And while I greatly admire Bowen's grappling with such an emotionally challenging subject matter, it doesn't quite feel like he does it justice. There is almost a pained politeness to his entire tone. His poems tease at a heartfelt truth, without ever really making full contact. The verses are restrained and delicate where, perhaps, boldness or brutality might have been more effective or revealing. Still there is much to appreciate here- the works are incredibly well thought out and intriguing. While I was not particularly stirred by Bowen's verses, I acknowledge and respect their deep sincerity.