Agate Head / Stone Soup by Patricia Lockwood review
Inspired by stones and metals, the memoirist and novelist’s first poetry collection for more than a decade is charming, whimsical and intimate
TL;DR
- Patricia Lockwood's first poetry collection in 12 years, "Agate Head / Stone Soup," is inspired by stones, gems, and metals.
- The collection is presented in a tête-bêche format, with distinct textures in each volume: "Agate Head" is more public-facing, while "Stone Soup" delves into existential concerns.
- Lockwood's poetic voice is described as charming, whimsical, and intimate, offering beautiful imagery and philosophical insights.
- The poems show a technical shift, with more staccato lines and jumpier syntax compared to her previous work.
- While the collection is largely successful, some poems suffer from an over-reliance on autobiographical detail or metaphorical overreach.