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maryehavens's review against another edition
3.0
Dorothy Parker definitely had her own style! It’s impossible not to read most of these poems in the sing-song way she writes, even if the rhythm doesn’t lend itself to that style.
I first learned of Parker from her (and my favorite) one-off line: “What fresh Hell is this?” I say that at least once a week.
I will say I had to read her in doses. I found myself feeling quite sad reading her work. It would be clever but then quite bitter (I hate using that word to describe a woman’s work but I can’t think of a better one). The poetry I list are my favorites and they all had a cleverness and a twist. I skipped most of her hate songs because they were repetitive but I did like a few, mostly the ones I agreed with TBH.
Knowing a bit more about Parker and her alcoholism plus multiple suicide attempts, I can’t help but feel that she is seeing the world through a fairly dark lens. I wonder what would have happened if she had received sustaining treatment or been born in a different time where there were more options for treatment. I think she would have maintained her quick wit but perhaps would have had less of a darkened time. I feel for her.
Favorites from this collection:
“August”
“Chant for Dark Hours”
“Unfortunate Coincidence”
“Resume”
“Bric-A-Brac”
“A Pig’s-Eye View of Literature”
“Two-Volume Novel”
“Sanctuary”
“Ballade of a Talked-Off Ear”
“War Song”
“Relatives”
“Letter to Robert Benchley”
“Somewhat Delayed Spring Song”
“Song of the Wilderness”
I first learned of Parker from her (and my favorite) one-off line: “What fresh Hell is this?” I say that at least once a week.
I will say I had to read her in doses. I found myself feeling quite sad reading her work. It would be clever but then quite bitter (I hate using that word to describe a woman’s work but I can’t think of a better one). The poetry I list are my favorites and they all had a cleverness and a twist. I skipped most of her hate songs because they were repetitive but I did like a few, mostly the ones I agreed with TBH.
Knowing a bit more about Parker and her alcoholism plus multiple suicide attempts, I can’t help but feel that she is seeing the world through a fairly dark lens. I wonder what would have happened if she had received sustaining treatment or been born in a different time where there were more options for treatment. I think she would have maintained her quick wit but perhaps would have had less of a darkened time. I feel for her.
Favorites from this collection:
“August”
“Chant for Dark Hours”
“Unfortunate Coincidence”
“Resume”
“Bric-A-Brac”
“A Pig’s-Eye View of Literature”
“Two-Volume Novel”
“Sanctuary”
“Ballade of a Talked-Off Ear”
“War Song”
“Relatives”
“Letter to Robert Benchley”
“Somewhat Delayed Spring Song”
“Song of the Wilderness”
mkfreckles's review
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
spacestationtrustfund's review against another edition
3.0
my wife is a bitch and I like her SO MUCH ❤️
Say I'm bitten raw with pride,
Say I am too often sad—
Still behold me at your side.
Say I'm neither brave nor young,
Say I woo and coddle care,
Say the devil touched my tongue—
Still you have my heart to wear.
But say my verses do not scan,
And I get me another man!
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.
Four be the things I'd been better without:
Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.
Three be the things I shall never attain:
Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.
Three be the things I shall have till I die:
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.
FIGHTING WORDSSay my love is easy had,
Say I'm bitten raw with pride,
Say I am too often sad—
Still behold me at your side.
Say I'm neither brave nor young,
Say I woo and coddle care,
Say the devil touched my tongue—
Still you have my heart to wear.
But say my verses do not scan,
And I get me another man!
RÉSUMÉRazors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
INVENTORYFour be the things I am wiser to know:
Idleness, sorrow, a friend, and a foe.
Four be the things I'd been better without:
Love, curiosity, freckles, and doubt.
Three be the things I shall never attain:
Envy, content, and sufficient champagne.
Three be the things I shall have till I die:
Laughter and hope and a sock in the eye.
mugren's review against another edition
3.0
The only part I didn’t enjoy was the uncollected poems, except for the “Hate Song” series (which should’ve been a collection on its own)
alishalester's review
dark
funny
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.75
casian's review against another edition
5.0
4.5⭐️
This is the first poetry collection I have read, and I am absolutely in love with poetry.
I thought it was pretentious but it’s so powerful and beautiful.
Dorothy’s was relatable, funny, witty, but also reflective, and melancholic.
She is my type of girl.
This is the first poetry collection I have read, and I am absolutely in love with poetry.
I thought it was pretentious but it’s so powerful and beautiful.
Dorothy’s was relatable, funny, witty, but also reflective, and melancholic.
She is my type of girl.