Staff Pick
This book is an embodiment of human hurt, of the ache and joy of being alive. Centered around the death of Dickman's older brother, each poem in this collection hits hard and is a reminder that all of us have our moments of happiness and pain. It's one of the best poetry collections I've ever read. Recommended By Lauren S., Powells.com
Synopses & Reviews
At the center of Mayakovsky’s Revolver is the suicide of Matthew Dickman’s older brother. “Known for poems of universality of feeling, expressive lyricism of reflection, and heartrending allure” (Major Jackson), Dickman is a powerful poet whose new collection explores how to persevere in the wake of grief.
from “Mayakovsky’s Revolver”
I keep thinking about the way
blackberries will make the mouth
of an eight year old look like he’s a ghost
that’s been shot in the face. In the dark I can see
my older brother walking through the tall brush
of his brain. I can see him standing
in the lobby of the hotel,
alone, crying along with the ice machine.
Review
"A book of real immediacy, the kind that re-enacts modern life with all its joys and sorrows." NPR
Review
"His poems . . . strike at the soul." Vanity Fair
Review
"Matthew Dickman's poems go off like a bottle rocket." New Criterion
Synopsis
from Mayakovsky s Revolver I keep thinking about the wa blackberries will make the mout of an eight year old look like he s a ghos that s been shot in the face. In the dark I can se my older brother walking through the tall brus of his brain. I can see him standin in the lobby of the hotel alone, crying along with the ice machine"
Synopsis
from "Mayakovsky's Revolver"
I keep thinking about the way
blackberries will make the mouth
of an eight year old look like he's a ghost
that's been shot in the face. In the dark I can see
my older brother walking through the tall brush
of his brain. I can see him standing
in the lobby of the hotel,
alone, crying along with the ice machine.
Synopsis
The author of All-American Poem uses his art to come to terms with his older brother's suicide in a collection of poems that explore how to find strength in the face of loss and grief.
Synopsis
From a dazzling, award-winning young poet, a collection that paints life as a celebration in the dark.
Synopsis
At the center of is the suicide of Matthew Dickman's older brother. "Known for poems of universality of feeling, expressive lyricism of reflection, and heartrending allure" (Major Jackson), Dickman is a powerful poet whose new collection explores how to persevere in the wake of grief.
About the Author
Matthew Dickman is the author of All-American Poem, winner of the May Sarton Award from the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, and the coauthor with Michael Dickman of 50 American Plays. He lives in Portland, Oregon.