A Mother's String

by Andrea McKenzie Raine

A Mother's String is about the lessons we learn in love and patience. It is about the family ties that bind even in the absence of those we are bound to. The poems are haunted by the memory of homes lived in or wished for. In them we remember our younger selves who have still to learn how far we can climb, how far we can fall.

Genres: Poetry

88 pages, Paperback

First published June 6, 2005

About the author

Andrea McKenzie Raine was born in Smithers, BC and grew up in Victoria, BC where she still resides. She was enrolled in the Creative Writing program and earned a B.A. in English Literature at the University of Victoria in 2000, and completed a post-degree Public Relations certificate program. She has attended the successful Planet Earth Poetry reading series (formerly known as Mocambopo) in Victoria, BC since 1997, and participated in the Glenairley writing retreats led by Canadian poet and novelist Patrick Lane in Sooke, BC. In 2005, she published her first book of poetry, titled A Mother’s String, through Ekstasis Editions. Her poetry has also appeared in Mocambo Nights, Canadian Literature journal, Quills, Borderlines anthology (Ascent Aspirations magazine), Tempus anthology (Rubicon Press), Poems from Planet Earth (Leaf Press), Tongues of Fire anthology, and several Glenairley chapbooks edited by Patrick Lane (Leaf Press). She has also written book reviews and articles for local magazines, celebrating the work of her peers. She lives with her husband and two young sons and, by day, is employed as a correspondence writer for the provincial government. Turnstiles is her debut novel published by Inkwater Press. She also published her second novel, A Crowded Heart, through Inkwater Press, which is a prequel to Turnstiles. Her most recent novel is the third book in the Turnstiles series, a sequel titled Beyond the Summer Grass.

Reviews

[Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Can I perhaps mention before we get down to it that I am no scholar or systematic reader of poetry. However, in the books I have read of Andrea's I have have she has a special way with words.
I was keen therefore to get and read a copy of an early book of her poetry.
I have now read it twice in two separate sittings and recommend it without hesitation.
Some poems I still don't get others I will return to again and again. Without question Altzheimer's is a stand out poem that doesn't mention the condition by name within the poem but even without the title you would understand the illness for what it is. "....passing time, time being lost." "I am here wrapped in mysterious lapses of time ....." Powerful stuff but the first three words are those that resonate "I am here ......." so often we feel we have lost a loved one to this new reality but they remain present if caught in a different time.
Moving on 'Charlie' is a strong poem and I loved 'My Grandfather's Box'
A themed collection in three parts mostly reflective and about relationships. Strong ideas wonderfully expressed and captured in brief words or within the whole poem. "Have you ever heard the sound of death approaching? It is the moment before you know yourself."
I enjoyed this book and identified with the feelings shared or produced in reading these verses. 'Domesticity' strikes a chord. 'Backstrokes' was clever while 'A Mother's String' and 'Birth Mother brought me close to tears.
Try to find a copy for yourself

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a copy of this book, please visit: http://www.amazon.com/A-Mothers-Strin...

It is astonishing that such a young poet is so aware of the ambiguities of string. From umbilicus to birthday wrapping to leash to apron string, Andrea McKenzie uses the emotional material at hand to present the ordinary and sometimes extraordinary experience of girls—rejection, love, cruelty and reconciliation —in neatly wrapped packages of loss and redemption. Already McKenzie has learned how to offer her poems as gifts for the world. Her last lines make magnificent bows: I said it back/ When this happens, remember your body and stay there/the cord gets tangled/a hand coming down upon her head. Her linked images are proverbs knotted on a string so that none of them may be lost on the journey from darkness to light. Most delightfully, McKenzie’s quest takes her directly from the intensely personal to the universal. Unlike those poets who circle themselves and get nowhere, she has already turned from self-healing to mending a broken world.

Linda Rogers

[Tea Stained Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was happy to have won this in a giveaway!
The cover is beautiful. My favorite piece in this book has to be "Alzheimer's".
"We keep walking in familiar circles, never reaching familiar places, and I feel as though, I will never reach home."

I recommend this to anyone who wants to have an enjoyable read.

[Delta · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful collection of poetry. There were so many clever and beautiful phrases in each poem.

**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**

[Maria Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly a must read for those who miss home. This has made me more appreciative of yesteryears with family.

[Alex Pauley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good I loved every poem nearly and it was just overall great.

[Nicole Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book. It is a quite intriguing read. I love the figurative language. The poetry is quite rhythmic and easy to read. I recommend that you sit in a comfy chair and read this wonderful book of poetry. You won't be able to put it down.