The Orphan and the Stranger

Carolyn Bett was President, CEBET Bibliographies.

The poems of Marvyne Jenoff concern her estrangement from her parents, who were themselves estranged from one another: that mockery of family life so often encountered in our society. Ironically, the deaths of her parents, although accepted in the first poem as a simplifier, in fact necessitate a redefinition of herself as someone other than she who is either running away from or trying to connect to these parents.

The poems are sparely crafted in clear, largely unornamented language. Minute details, such as a turn of phrase, or an object given and received, form the backbone of each poem, elucidating the awkward relationships without maudlin sentiments.

Perhaps the key to this style is Jenoff’s ability to accept herself — her scorn, her anger, her running away, her ultimate lack of love for her parents — without guilt or remorse. Occasionally, she expresses a desire to be accepted by her parents, particularly by her mother, but she is able to put that behind her. She has, after all, a satisfying relationship with her “huge happy husband” (p.61) and these fine poems of which she can be justly proud.