Odd Boy by Martin Jude Farawell
In poems at once dazzling and trussed to quietude, Martin Jude Farawell's Odd Boy traverses a fretwork of silence and sonority. From the solemn pews of a Catholic childhood, the improvised dance floor at his wedding, and the mossy underbelly of late and early spring times, Farawell explores what it means to learn and unlearn his constellation of selves: boy, son, brother, husband, human, believer in the beauty of the smallest hour. Whether imagining the creation of the original family through the Biblical canon or recounting the violence of his own, Odd Boy is an atlas for the pursuit of a fierce gentleness. Farawell's poems pursue desire and its specter in landscapes large and small, perennially unafraid of their own song, unafraid to take us to the heart of it: "But now, / it is the very autumn / of autumn. / What was it? / What I wanted?"
About This Poetry Collection
Odd Boy navigates the intersections of Catholic upbringing, queer identity, and familial relationships through contemporary verse. Farawell's collection examines themes of faith, violence, desire, and transformation across intimate landscapes—from religious spaces to personal celebrations. The poems trace the evolution of multiple identities: son, brother, husband, and believer, creating a map for readers seeking fierce gentleness in their own lives.
Published by Sibling Rivalry Press
This paperback edition from independent publisher Sibling Rivalry Press features Farawell's distinctive voice that balances silence with sonority. The collection moves through Biblical reimaginings and personal reckonings, offering readers an honest exploration of learning and unlearning the self. Each poem pursues desire across varied terrains while maintaining an unflinching commitment to its own song.
Perfect For
Readers of contemporary LGBTQ+ poetry, those interested in faith and spirituality intersecting with queer experience, and anyone drawn to verse that examines family dynamics, Catholic heritage, and the pursuit of authentic selfhood. Odd Boy serves as both memoir and meditation, making it an exceptional choice for poetry lovers seeking work that confronts identity with both tenderness and courage.
