Reviews for Of the Great House: A Book of Poems

The average rating for Of the Great House: A Book of Poems based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2020-10-21 00:00:00 Dean Donaldson Not as volatile as the other collection of Rich's poetry that I have read, Diving Into the Wreck, this work from the early 1990's allows Rich to air her grievances about the Western World going to hell in a hand basket. But sadly the caustic, piercing qualities of her 1970's work - where she raged and raged and raged against gender roles and relations - have been smoothed over for a more melancholic, retrospective murmur. When Rich's love for women-loving is mentioned (in vague she's or you's, natch: this is "poetry" after all") it's not with fiery sexuality, but with more of a nostalgic remove. Sure, Rich was much older by this collection, and age brings wisdom and prudence, or some shit like that; but I'd rather of have had her angry. Bring me all the angry (but well-written) poems!

Review # 2 was written on 2014-07-23 00:00:00 John Emanuel I did not connect with these poems as much as I'd liked, but it's still very good poetry, Adrienne Rich was a very talented poet, no doubt here.