26 Ways Out of This World

Melanie Marttila is a Sudbury-based freelance writer and writing
consultant.

Each poem in Judith Fitzgerald’s most recent collection is introduced
by a rhymed sonnet. From there Fitzgerald moves into free verse, in
which the manipulation of structure and space plays a key role. The
author’s deft wordplay and use of vocabulary clearly display her craft
as well.

Also of note is Fitzgerald’s use of the epic form. Although she is no
stranger to the epic (her earlier work, River, was shortlisted for the
Trillium Award), she that “it is widely held no woman has written a
successful epic in English.” Despite this, Fitzgerald forges boldly
forth, into both the epic form and the theme of the collection: Joan of
Arc.

26 Ways Out of This World demands much of its readers, but its rewards
are well worth the effort. Recommended for readers who prefer a little
challenge in their reading, and for libraries that support programs in
Canadian literature, women’s studies, and classics.