Chez Nous (Volume 17)

by Angie Estes

What is the language of “home”? What would it mean to be “at home” in language? And what does it mean, in the postmodern world, not to be at home in one’s language? These are some of the questions that inform Angie Estes’ brilliant new collection, Chez Nous, her first since the prize-winning Voice-Over. The origins of her project lie in Theodor Adorno’s comment that in the postmodern, post-Holocaust world, the only “home” now available to us is in language. The results, in poems that are lyrical, experimental, and layered with meanings that cross between languages, cultures, and historical moments, are rich and compelling.

Genres: Poetry

86 pages, Paperback

First published March 15, 2005

Reviews

[Stephany · Rating 5 out of 5]

"So much happens / offstage, where the gods make / change" and so much happens in Estes' book. Not all poems are as stunning as "Rage Italic" but Estes is present in every one. Blending Hollywood history, fashion, theater, French language and a sexy syntax, this is a delicious read for the mouth and the ear "finished with a lick / of gold leaf."

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever. Beyond. Words. Read those three words with any combination (or not) of those punctuation marks and it will still be true about Angie Estes' amazing Chez Nous.