Smoke

More about the book

Dorianne Laux’s long-awaited third poetry collection revisits themes of family, working-class lives, and the pleasures of the body, showcasing her vital and artfully crafted style. In this work, Laux intertwines the fabric of ordinary lives into extraordinary tapestries. In "The Shipfitter’s Wife," a woman reflects on her husband's homecoming, capturing the essence of his work and the intimacy of their connection. The title poem explores personal guilt and solitude, evoking vivid imagery of a dark room filled with smoke and distant sounds, creating a sense of almost safety in isolation. With her keen ear and attentive eye, Laux presents a familiar universe in a refreshing light. She is the author of two previous poetry collections and co-author of a guide on writing poetry. Laux has served as a judge for poetry contests and is a tenured professor in the creative writing program at the University of Oregon, where she resides in Eugene.