rev. of The Room Where I Was Born by Brian Teare

The Room Where I Was Born, poems by Brian Teare (Wisconsin): In his first book, Teare exceeds his ambition to build a wholly new system of myths, and creates an utterly complex and harrowing volume as structurally and figuratively brilliant as it is genius in its lyrical flexibility. The many subjects of this book devour the reader like the kudzu that permeates its terrain of a Southern childhood: fairy tales are retold and slanted, and render an account of incest that proves readers should not assume the tragic has been lost to the sensational. Years from now, this fascinating and dangerous book will surely be recognized for its important contribution to the new century's American poetry. —Cate Marvin