With writing as personal and honest as this book, it truly feels rather strange to offer a review.

Carver bids an affective goodbye to both literature and his life. He does so by not only looking back but also looking forward, constantly in search of something. This something, even if it's not a complete escape from his past, represents the next best step forward.

It appears that after delving into this collection, one gets the opportunity to catch a glimpse of Carver that can only be revealed through his poetry. For instance, take "Gravy" for size. It offers a unique perspective into his thoughts and emotions, allowing the reader to connect with him on a deeper level.

Overall, this collection of Carver's work is a remarkable exploration of his inner world and a testament to his talent as a writer.

The best part of this book was the introduction written by Tess Galagher, the widow of Raymond Carver. In it, she narrates the last year of her husband's life and how she helped him edit this book, the last one that Carver wrote.

However, from that point on, Carver's poetry did not completely capture my attention. While some poems do work, others seemed to me to lack a clear objective and were more like a series of randomly placed words.

Ironically, my favorite poem is the last one:

"LAST FRAGMENT"

"And did you get what

you wanted from this life?"

"I did."

"And what did you want?"

"To feel loved, to consider myself loved

on this earth."

This poem has a simplicity and a profoundness that really spoke to me. It makes me think about what is truly important in life and how we often overlook the simplest and most precious things.

Overall, while I may not have been completely enamored with all of Carver's poetry, this book still has its moments and is worth reading for those who are interested in his work.

Raymond Carver's late life and his deep love for Tess Gallagher are vividly presented in this book.

It is a truly lovely and courageous final work. It not only confronts the harsh reality of terminal illness but also defiantly persists in the act of creation and the pursuit of love.

As Carver reflects on a life that is approaching its early end, the book becomes a powerful exploration of the human spirit.

The emotions and experiences described within its pages are both devastating and remarkable, leaving a lasting impact on the reader.

This book is a testament to Carver's talent and his ability to capture the essence of life and love in the face of adversity.

It serves as a reminder of the importance of living fully and loving deeply, even in the most difficult of circumstances.

Overall, it is a work that will touch the hearts of many and be remembered for its profound insights and beautiful prose.

The first book I read by Raymond Carver and by no means the last. A wonderful style. And the form is in a way halfway between poetry and prose which I enjoyed (and have benefited from in my own writings).

This is his last book, written when death was hovering so there is a great emotional weight in some of the poems, especially under Rest.

In between there are then excerpts from the works of Chekov which tone well with the poems.

Raymond Carver's writing is truly captivating. His unique style combines elements of poetry and prose in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. The emotional depth in his works, especially in this last book, is palpable. The excerpts from Chekov add an interesting dimension and enhance the overall reading experience. I look forward to exploring more of Carver's works in the future and continue to be inspired by his writing.

This was one of the first collections that I picked up by Carver, and I instantly fell in love.

Carver has a remarkable way of talking about the everyman. He delves into the lives of the worker, the alcoholic, the painter, and the fisherman. His words are simple and genuine, yet brutally raw.

This collection tells the final months and weeks of his life, his love for Tess, and every routine that led up to his death. Even the most mundane and simple of activities carry a significant weight in his works.

I simply cannot express how much I love each and every poem in this collection. It ends with the glorious "Late Fragment", which recounts a life well-lived.

The lines like "...but we're on the couch, the one where sleep sometimes catches us with our books open, or..." paint a vivid and touching picture.

Carver's ability to capture the essence of ordinary life and make it extraordinary is truly remarkable.

His words have a profound impact on me, and I find myself constantly coming back to this collection to soak in its beauty and truth.

A powerful writer through and through.

Such a writer possess an array of remarkable qualities. Their words have the ability to transport readers to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and make them think deeply about various issues. They have a unique perspective on life and are able to express it in a way that is both engaging and thought-provoking. Their writing is not only grammatically correct but also flows smoothly, making it a pleasure to read. They have a vast vocabulary and are able to use it effectively to paint vivid pictures in the minds of their readers. A powerful writer is also able to connect with their readers on a personal level, making them feel as if they are a part of the story. In short, a powerful writer is someone who has the talent, the skill, and the passion to create works that will stand the test of time and have a lasting impact on the literary world.

Who is truly qualified to determine just how excellent this book actually is? Or how skillfully crafted and original it might be? And even more importantly, where does it position itself within the annals of poetry? Well, you can find out by reading my review here:

https://rogueliterarysociety.com/f/a-...

It's not an easy task to assess a book's true worth, especially when it comes to works of poetry. There are so many factors to consider, such as the author's style, the depth of the themes, and the overall impact on the reader. But with my in-depth review, you'll get a better understanding of what makes this particular book stand out.

So, don't miss out on this opportunity to discover a new literary gem. Head on over to the link and read my review today!

My favorite author's final words are truly a difficult thing to rate. I have a deep love for Raymond Carver, and this work served as my introduction to his poetry. The forward by Tess Gallagher is not only lovely but also essential for understanding the intention behind the actual composition of the book. The final poems are like a gut punch, which is why I rate the entire book so highly. These are legendary pieces that will stay with me forever.

Some of my favorite bits include "What The Doctor Said": "he said are you a religious man do you kneel down in forest groves and let yourself ask for help when you come to a waterfall mist blowing against your face and arms do you stop and ask for understanding in those moments I said not yet but I intend to start today".

"Through The Boughs": "Time was we thought we had time on our side. Time was, time was, those ragged birds cry."

"Gravy": "‘Don’t weep for me,’ he said to his friends. ‘I’m a lucky man. I’ve had ten years longer than I or anyone expected. Pure gravy. And don’t forget it.’"

"No Need": "I’ve left the key in the same place. You know where. Remember me and all we did together."

"Late Fragment": "And did you get what you wanted from this life, even so? I did. And what did you want? To call myself beloved, to feel myself beloved on the earth." Each of these snippets showcases Carver's unique talent and ability to capture profound emotions and experiences in just a few lines.

Poetry is reteaching me how to read.

It is like a gentle guide, leading me through the intricate paths of language and emotion. With each line, I am learning to slow down and savor the words, to look beyond their surface meaning and discover the hidden treasures within.

Poetry makes me pay attention to the rhythm, the meter, and the sound of the words. It shows me how a few carefully chosen words can create a vivid image or evoke a powerful emotion.

As I read poetry, I am also learning to be more open-minded and flexible in my thinking. Poetry often challenges my assumptions and makes me see the world from a different perspective.

It is reteaching me the joy of reading, the pleasure of losing myself in a good book or a beautiful poem. And for that, I am truly grateful.

I wept while reading the introduction to this book. Tess Gallagher assembled Raymond Carver's poems after his passing and chronicled the experience. What an astonishing tribute to him and to their connection. He had cancer and was aware that he was nearing the end, and she remained by his side until the very end.

Carver was renowned for his fiction, but his poetry is not to be overlooked. My favorite is the famous line (I'm paraphrasing here) "everything after that was gravy." It pertains to the awareness of his impending death and the time he had remaining before passing away. It's quintessential Carver. This life is all gravy, what a wonderful metaphor.

It makes one reflect on the preciousness of life and how we should cherish every moment, just as Carver did in his final days. Gallagher's account of putting together his poems adds another layer of depth and poignancy to Carver's already remarkable body of work. It's a beautiful and moving testament to their love and to the power of art.

I think Carver, if he had lived, could have been a remarkable poet.

In A New Path to the Waterfall, there are indeed some excellent poems. However, there are also some that leave much to be desired. Some could have been significantly shortened, perhaps by half, and there are even some that seem like plain old blocks of prose.

This collection was ambitious in its design. It is divided by re-cast passages from the writings mainly of Chekhov, which are intended to portray the great Russian writer as a poet at heart. I have no argument with this. These passages are truly terrific and undoubtedly meant to establish a kinship with the modern-day American Chekhov - Carver.

The problem is that Carver's offerings are so inconsistent. But I believe this is forgivable, considering that Carver was dying at the time. Tess Gallagher lays all of this out - Chekhov, Carver's sickness, the design of the collection, Carver's own interest in poetry - in an eloquent introduction that is as integral a part of the book as Carver's writings, Chekhov's passages, and so on.

If Carver had lived, I have no doubt that he would have polished many of these poems to a much greater extent. As it stands now, it is a writer's final efforts against the fading light. We must be grateful for what we have.

This work probably received an additional star because it was Carver's final book. As you read it, you can sense his urgency, his intensity, as if his candle is burning brightly just before the dawn.

That being said, after reading the introduction, which I read last, I understand what they were attempting to achieve with all the quotes from Chekhov and others. However, while reading, it simply felt like irritating filler.

Also, the poems in this collection vary in quality. Some are of high caliber, while others may not be as strong. Nevertheless, it is still worthwhile for the ones that are at the top of the scale. These exceptional poems have the power to move and inspire the reader, making the overall experience of reading this book a valuable one.

Despite its flaws, Carver's last book offers a unique glimpse into his creative mind and the emotions that were driving him in his final days.