In 'The Country Between Us', Carolyn Forché takes readers on a poetic journey through the violent landscapes of El Salvador during the civil war. Combining memoir with vivid imagery, she captures the stark realities of political turmoil and the human cost of conflict. Her unique voice offers an intimate lens on the friendships formed amidst chaos and the struggle to bear witness. The book challenges readers to confront the ethical implications of storytelling in times of crisis. A haunting and evocative read, it leaves an indelible mark, inviting reflection on the role of the observer in the face of suffering.
By Carolyn Forche
Published: 1982
"In the midst of chaos and suffering, we find the threads of humanity that connect us all."
The book opens with a series of poems about El Salvador, where ForchÉ worked as a journalist and was closely involved with the political struggle in that tortured country in the late 1970's. ForchÉ's other poems also tend to be personal, immediate, and moving. Perhaps the final effect of her poetry is the image of a sensitive, brave, and engaged young woman who has made her life a journey. She has already traveled to many places, as these poems indicate, but beyond that is the sense of someone who is, in Ignazio Silone's words, coming from far and going far.
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“In the midst of chaos and suffering, we find the threads of humanity that connect us all.”
The Country Between Us
By Carolyn Forche
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Carolyn Forché is an acclaimed American poet, memoirist, and translator, celebrated for her powerful, evocative writing that often explores themes of social justice and personal memory. She is best known for her collections such as "The Country Between Us," which addresses the complexities of political conflict and human experience, and "What You Have Heard Is True," a memoir reflecting on her experiences in El Salvador during the civil war. Forché's work is characterized by a blend of lyricism and urgency, merging poetic form with poignant political commentary. Throughout her career, she has received numerous awards, including the Lambda Literary Award and the Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award, further establishing her as a significant voice in contemporary literature.
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