Reviews for A Mayan Astronomer in Hell's Kitchen: Poems

The average rating for A Mayan Astronomer in Hell's Kitchen: Poems based on 2 reviews is 5 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2012-09-13 00:00:00 Shawn Ryan I had not read a book of poetry by Espada for more than a decade, but my library had this one out for National Poetry Month and so I took it home and was reminded how much I like his work. The title of the book is an indication of his humor and imagination and and lyricism and politics, actually--he's decidedly a Latino writer writing from that perspective, he's angry about poverty and racism and violence. He is intensely lyrical and angry. Sometimes these modes alternate. Many people think that political poetry's just not possible, is typically bad, but Espada is terrific. Remember Neruda: "Look at the blood on the streets!" Espada is one of the sons of Neruda, one who does him proud, I am sure.

Review # 2 was written on 2015-07-18 00:00:00 William Berry How have I missed this poet over all these years. This is one of his older collections, from 2000, but it just absolutely ripples with strength and humor and truth. Of Puerto Rican descent, most of these poems are set in Puerto Rico, and many look at tough subjects using gorgeous language, but also using humor and levity in the perfect way, sometimes starting the poem with a light tone, and then slamming you with a turn, or often after a devastating poem, Espada followed it up with a short poem that would make me just guffaw, keeping the book in perfect balance. I simply MUST go see him read his poetry.