In This House Are Many Women: and other poems

by Sheree Fitch

Sheree Fitch's best-selling adult poetry collection explores the shadows that never penetrate the sunlit world of her children's books. With over 5,000 copies sold of the first edition, this second edition 10 years later and 13 poems wiser adds depth and texture to the original collection; like a fine cognac, it has become richer with the passing years. Sheree Fitch's refreshingly direct lyrics explore the harsh realities of women's lives and the many kinds of shelter they create for themselves and give to each other. The title suite is peopled by battered wives, single mothers, women who are poor and perhaps homeless, and exhausted caregivers, with each woman speaking in her own voice. The new poems in "Moonsongs" express a decade's personal development, not in the form of answers, but in the form of more pointed questions. In This House Are Many Women and Other Poems demonstrates Fitch's poetic depth and versatility. But whether she writes passionately of victims and workers in a woman's shelter, finds epiphanies in family life, or examines the uncertainties of romantic love, Fitch never loses her sense of humour. Who else but the creator of Mable Murple could conjure up Diana, the domestic acrobat who transforms her home into a circus or Eve, the mother of us all, offering child-rearing tips?

Genres: Poetry, Canada

130 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1994

About the author

From the Writer's Federation of Nova Scotia:

"Sheree Fitch is an educator, literacy activist and author of award winning poetry, picture books, nonfiction, plays and novels for all ages. Her first book, Toes in My Nose, illustrated by Molly Lamb Bobak, was launched in 1987. The books that followed have garnered numerous awards, including The Mr. Christie Award for There Were Monkeys in My Kitchen, The Anne Connor Brimer Award for Mable Murple. If You Could Wear my Sneakers, a book on Children's Rights commissioned by Unicef won both the Ontario Silver Birch Award and Atlantic Hackmatack award.

In 1998 she won the prestigious Vicky Metcalf award for a body of work inspirational to Canadian Children. She has been goodwill ambassador for Unicef since 1994 and her lipslippery adventures have taken her to remote parts of the globe.

Her work as a poet and literacy educator has taken her to the Arctic as eight-time poet laureate for Peter Gzowski's fundraisers for literacy and to Bhutan where she taught writing and participated in that country's first national reading week. Author readings have taken her to Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, Belize and Mexico.

Currently, she is Honorary Spokesperson for the New Brunswick Coalition for Literacy. The coalition recently initiated the Sheree Fitch Adult Learner Scholarships. She is also Honorary Spokesperson for the Nova Scotia Read to Me Program. This program provides literacy information to new parents and books for newborns. Each year she sponsors a writing competition for New Brunswick Youth. Her latest venture in literacy education includes completing a three year (summer ) writer in residency for Somebody's Daughter --- out on the tundra in Nunavut. This is an innovative program for Inuit women started by Bernadette Dean, Sheree's friend and former student from a writing workshop Ftich held during one of her soujourns to the north.

In the fall 2004, Gooselane Editions released an expanded anniversary edition of her adult book of poetry In This House Are Many Women and Orca published Pocket Rocks, illustrated by Helen Flook.

In May 2005, Fitch's first novel (ages ten and up), The Gravesavers, was published by Doubleday Canada Random House. A coming of age story blended with a historical event—the wreck of S.S. Atlantic in 1873—Fitch considers the novel "a kind of love letter" to her Maritime home and a celebration of her roots. Upcoming books include If I Had A Million Onions, a collection of nonsense for all ages and Peek a Little Boo, a book for babies.

Fitch lives with her husband, Gilles Plante and divides her time between Washington D.C. and River John, Nova Scotia. In demand as a visiting author, workshop leader and keynote speaker, she is currently working on an adult novel. She holds a B.A. from St. Thomas, an M.A. from Acadia University and honorary doctorates from both St. Mary's and Acadia for her contribution to Canadian literature and education. She has two grown children."

Reviews

[Laura · Rating 1 out of 5]

The heterosexuals are not ok.

[Jen from Quebec :0) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a collection that I am supremely happy + lucky to own as I know that I will revisit it over + over. This is powerful poetry about women but not just *for* women. --Jen from Quebec :0)

[Lois Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I bought this book a few weeks ago at Fitch’s store in River John. I had a delightful meeting with the author and loved the book. Had me writing a few poems myself. While well known for her children’s books, Fitch has much to offer the adult reader.

[Raisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning portrait of women as they do their best to survive and process the domestic abuse and expectations they are too often burdened with. Lean on women for their strength but make sure to check in on them with yours.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyed the entire book - especially liked how in the first section it starts with someone running to a women's shelter and then proceeds to look at how it would be when one first arrived, and finally the women and their different stories. While much of it is sad, the camaraderie that develops among them is uplifting. The insight Fitch shows in the lives of these women makes me think that she has some prior experience with women's shelters, either herself or someone close to her.

[Kimberlickingood · Rating 5 out of 5]

So many wonderful, poignant poems. Something for every woman to connect with - no one will be left disappointed. The poem about forms is my favorite!

[Becca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thrifted the book- good writing