ROMANCE

Airmail: The Letters of Robert Bly and Tomas Tranströmer

by Tomas Tranströmer
Bly, Robert & . Graywolf. Apr. 2013. 476p. ed. by Thomas R. Smith. illus. notes. index. ISBN 9781555976392. $35. LIT
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In 1964, distinguished American poet Bly (Talking into the Ear of a Donkey) drove from his farm in rural Minnesota to the university library to obtain a copy of Swedish poet and Nobel Laureate Tranströmer's latest book. When Bly returned home, a letter from the young writer was waiting for him. Thus began an enlightening correspondence that lasted more than two decades, until 1990 when Tranströmer suffered a stroke. In addition to their shared political and poetic ideas, the men showed a keen interest in translating each other's work. Their enduring friendship is at times most reflected in their back-and-forth humor. The Swedish edition was originally published in 2001; however, a resurgence of interest in the poets' relationship has been spurred by this first English edition.
VERDICT This collection will be of interest not only to readers of Bly and Tranströmer but of particular value to those who enjoy the history and politics of the Sixties and those drawn to the process of translation.
Reviewed by Audrey Snowden, Orrington P.L., ME , Apr 26, 2013
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