Vesuvius

Zulmira Ribeiro Tavares is the author of numerous works of poetry and fiction, and has received many of Brazil’s highest literary awards. This collection, translated by Governor General’s Award–winning translator Hugh Hazelton, is the first English translation of her poetry. Vesuvius is divided into seven parts that converge into a final glosa, which serves as a guide to the mountain. Tavares’ poetry is direct, but sly, filled with pointed commentary on the world around her. In her writing a socialite can be a boa constrictor, and a volcano can be a country. She questions everything, but the reader follows her willingly, charmed by her disarming style and captivated by her insight.