Szporluk's new book of poetry earns Iowa Prize for 1999 (04/23/00)

Szporluk's new book of poetry earns Iowa Prize for 1999

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Larissa Szporluk's new collection of short lyric poems, "Isolato," was recently awarded the Iowa Poetry Prize for 1999 by the University of Iowa Press.

Ms. Szporluk's latest poems are referred to as a "break from the contemporary preoccupation with autobiography, (whose voices are) held together by language rather than a sustained narrative or plot. Yet the narrative fragments clearly evoke certain themes and moods: interaction of and struggle between the human and natural world; violence, particularly against women and children; alienation and betrayal; the mysteries of the universe, God, and death; and, of course, poetry itself."

Variously called a religious, a metaphysical, or a visionary poet, Ms. Szporluk has been compared to Emily Dickinson and George Herbert as well as to 20th century poets like Sylvia Plath, Mark Strand, and Louise Glück. Her work is concise, experimental and challenging. Language and syntax are often elusive, the logic that of dreams or music, the imagery mysterious.

Ms. Szporluk's first full-length collection, "Dark Sky Question," won the 1997 Barnard New Women Poets Prize. Her poetry has appeared in "Best American Poetry 1999," the "Kenyon Review," "Parnassus," the "Journal" and "AGNI."

Ms. Szporluk is adjunct assistant professor of creative writing and women's studies at Bowling Green State University.

"Isolato," (68 pages; $10.95 paper; ISBN 0-87745-704-2), was published on March 31. It is available at bookstores or directly from the University of Iowa Press by calling 1 (800) 621-2736.

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