In a Time of Violence: Poems - Paperback

About In a Time of Violence: Poems

In a Time of Violence: Poems represents Eavan Boland's seventh collection, continuing her profound exploration of what she termed "the meeting place between womanhood and history." This collection stands as a significant work in contemporary Irish poetry, examining themes of violence, memory, and female identity through Boland's distinctive lyrical voice.

The Poet's Vision

Eavan Boland (1944-2020) established herself as one of the foremost female voices in Irish literature, and this collection demonstrates her mastery of interweaving personal experience with historical consciousness. Her work challenges traditional Irish poetic conventions while honoring the craft's rich heritage. Through these poems, Boland examines how violence—both political and personal—shapes women's lives and national narratives.

Themes and Content

This poetry collection delves into the intersection of gender, history, and Irish identity. Boland's verse confronts difficult subjects with precision and emotional depth, offering readers a window into experiences often marginalized in traditional historical accounts. The poems explore how women navigate spaces marked by conflict, how memory preserves and transforms trauma, and how language itself becomes a tool for reclaiming silenced stories.

Critical Recognition

Boland's work earned numerous accolades throughout her career, including a Lannan Foundation Award and an American Ireland Fund Literary Award. Her teaching positions at Trinity College Dublin, University College Dublin, Bowdoin College, and Stanford University—where she directed the creative writing program—cemented her influence on contemporary poetry. This collection contributes to her legacy as a poet who fundamentally reshaped Irish literary discourse.

For Readers Of

This collection appeals to readers interested in contemporary Irish poetry, feminist literature, and works examining historical trauma through personal lens. Those familiar with Boland's earlier work, including Outside History, will find this volume a natural progression in her artistic development. The poems resonate with readers seeking thoughtful examinations of how gender and nationality intersect in literary expression.

Publication Details

Published by W. W. Norton & Company in paperback format, this accessible edition allows readers to engage with Boland's important contribution to late 20th-century poetry. The collection stands as essential reading for understanding contemporary Irish literature and feminist poetic traditions.