A review by jwanz86
Promises of Gold by José Olivarez

4.0

Love José’s poetry. There are some returns from poems from his first collection and some continuation. How he has this collection organized is very purposeful and touching. And the note from the translator (there’s a full Spanish translation of all the poems if you turn the book around) also connects meaningful and thoughtfully. The words used matter, especially in the poetry. Breaks what might once be seen as “standard” form but José paints beautiful scenes connected to himself and his familia and his community. Would say the original collection is stronger but would start with this collection if you haven’t read him and dive into Citizen Illegal thereafter