Render

• This is the fourth poetry collection by Toronto writer Sachiko Murakami, whose first three books were published by Talonbooks: The Invisibility Exhibit (2008), Rebuild (2011), and Get Me Out of Here (2015). Render is arguably Sachiko’s most personal book, documenting her experiences with trauma, addiction, and recovery.

• In Sachiko’s own words: “In the past I never would have thought of these subjects as worthy of poetry, but I have been emboldened by the younger generation of poets … I got clean and sober in 2010, and was for many years an active member of AA. The past three years I have stepped back from ‘the program, ’ which has created enough psychic space to trouble the idea of recovery beyond its straightforward, happily-ever-after narrative. ”

• The poems are immersive and dream-like; Sachiko works through the aftermath of her addiction, and the work necessary for recovery. The collection ends on a positive note, with Sachiko pregnant (she is about to give birth as of this writing).

© 2020 Arsenal Pulp Press (Ebook): 9781551528281

Release date

Ebook: 27 October 2020