THE ESSENTIAL MURIEL RUKEYSER Poems

Muriel Rukeyser's poetry is passionate in many ways: romantically, politically, sexually, and more. These works, selected by Natasha Trethewey, who also contributed the introduction, and performed by Tanya Eby, bring out all the passion and lyricism listeners could hope for. Arranged in historical order, the poems show the growth in Rukeyser's political awareness, as well as her gradually intensifying Jewish consciousness. Eby, also an author, immerses herself in the poet's concerns and desires, expressing them as if they were her own. In fact, her readings are far superior to recordings of Rukeyser herself. Sometimes a skilled actor can interpret a literary work more evocatively than the author. D.M.H. © AudioFile 2021, Portland, Maine [Published: JULY 2021]