About the book
David Huddle's latest collection, Blacksnake at the Family Reunion, shares intimate and amusing stories as if told by a quirky, usually reticent, great uncle. In \"Boy Story,\" a teenage romantic meeting ends abruptly when the boy's sweetheart realizes they have parked near her grandmother's grave. The poem \"Aloft\" recalls a widowed mother's indignation after she receives a marriage proposal in a hot air balloon. Haunted by the words on his older sister's tombstone -- \"born & died... then / a single date / in November\" -- the speaker in one poem struggles to understand a tragic loss: \"The ampersand / tells the whole truth / and nothing but, / so help me God, / whose divine shrug / is expressed so / eloquently / by that grave mark.\"
Blacksnake at the Family Reunion continues Huddle's poetic inquiry into the power of early childhood and family to infuse adulthood with sadness and despair -- an inquiry conducted with profound empathy for the fragility of humankind.
Editions of Blacksnake at the Family Reunion
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780807144695
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807144718
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807144725
- PDF
- ISBN 9780807144701
Read an Excerpt
David Huddle's latest collection, Blacksnake at the Family Reunion, shares intimate and amusing stories as if told by a quirky, usually reticent, great uncle. In \"Boy Story,\" a teenage romantic meeting ends abruptly when the boy's sweetheart realizes they have parked near her grandmother's grave. The poem \"Aloft\" recalls a widowed mother's indignation after she receives a marriage proposal in a hot air balloon. Haunted by the words on his older sister's tombstone -- \"born & died... then / a single date / in November\" -- the speaker in one poem struggles to understand a tragic loss: \"The ampersand / tells the whole truth / and nothing but, / so help me God, / whose divine shrug / is expressed so / eloquently / by that grave mark.\"
Blacksnake at the Family Reunion continues Huddle's poetic inquiry into the power of early childhood and family to infuse adulthood with sadness and despair -- an inquiry conducted with profound empathy for the fragility of humankind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Blacksnake at the Family Reunion about?
David Huddle's latest collection, Blacksnake at the Family Reunion, shares intimate and amusing stories as if told by a quirky, usually reticent, great uncle. In \"Boy Story,\" a teenage romantic meeting ends abruptly when the boy's sweetheart realizes they have parked near her grandmother's grave. The poem \"Aloft\" recalls a widowed mother's indignation after she receives a marriage proposal in a hot air balloon. Haunted by the words on his older sister's tombstone -- \"born & died... then / a single date / in November\" -- the speaker in one poem struggles to understand a tragic loss: \"The ampersand / tells the whole truth / and nothing but, / so help me God, / whose divine shrug / is expressed so / eloquently / by that grave mark.\"
Blacksnake at the Family Reunion continues Huddle's poetic inquiry into the power of early childhood and family to infuse adulthood with sadness and despair -- an inquiry conducted with profound empathy for the fragility of humankind.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Blacksnake at the Family Reunion?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Poetry / Poems
Where can I read a sample of Blacksnake at the Family Reunion?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807144695
How long is Blacksnake at the Family Reunion and how many pages does it have?
Blacksnake at the Family Reunion has 68 page(s)
Is Blacksnake at the Family Reunion part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Southern Messenger Poets
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Blacksnake at the Family Reunion?
David Huddle
Who is the Publisher of the book Blacksnake at the Family Reunion?
LSU Press
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Blacksnake at the Family Reunion is available as paperback(ISBN 9780807144695) and ebook(ISBN 9780807144718) and ebook(ISBN 9780807144725) and pdf(ISBN 9780807144701)
Where can I buy Blacksnake at the Family Reunion online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Blacksnake at the Family Reunion from below
Where can I buy Blacksnake at the Family Reunion?