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casparb's review
make no mistake the boys are American or that's some kind of moral here anyway the twins are at it in an iconic little piece from Faber and I do have to wonder about this rationale which verges on begging to be compared to one's sibling. horrifying. anyway, as with everything I touch these days this is about mourning they're twin elegy-collections for their older brother. Matthew goes into more biographical detail - he's the brother the blurb advertises as somewhere on the field with o'hara ginsberg kerouac & I can see why they're thinking that way especially with o'hara but honestly it's a bit silly and don't shove these comparisons on them. Michael is apparently William CW, sexton, Dickinson and if I'll say anything for his collection it's that it ought to be read after the longevities (beautifully devised!) of matthew's narratives. Probably I lean Michael but maybe that's because I know where I'm standing more with him. I also am a bit sceptical about this game of comparisons so ill leave
tomhill's review
4.0
An intriguing concept for a poetry collection. Michael and Matthew Dickman each wrote a half of this book, which reflects on the death of their older brother. The Dickman twins have two very different and distinct writing styles. Both are fairly well-known poets (as far as poets are well-known) and both are accessible, although Matthew a bit more so (look up his reading of "Slow Dance" on Youtube and also "Clouds" which is from this collection). Given the subject matter, it's no surprise that the poems here are deeply sad at times, although they can also be life-affirming and funny. It's a shame that this book isn't more widely available. Fortunately inter-library loan exists, and I was able to borrow the only copy available at any Illinois library, which for some reason was something I was shocked to discover.
gelbot5000's review
4.0
Excellent collection of poetry with two very distinct styles. Quite melancholy but beautiful and moving. Very good details. Would recommend.
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