It’s been a little while since any poetry featured on the Ramblings, so I’m happy to share today some thoughts on a wonderful collection I read recently (you might have seen it sitting in the pile of April reads!) The book is called “My Hollywood and other poems” and it’s by a poet who’s made several appearances on the blog, but as a translator – Boris Dralyuk!
“My Hollywood” is his debut poetry collection and it’s been garnering well-deserved praise all round; as well as being a brilliant translator, Boris is obviously a fine poet in his own right. A Ukranian-American writer whose family immigrated to Los Angeles when he was eight years old, he’s the Editor in Chief of the Los Angeles Review of Books, editor/co-editor of numerous collections of poems and stories, as well as a lauded translator of authors like his fellow countryman Isaac Babel and modern voices such as Maxim Osipov. “Hollywood” focuses on his adopted home city, specifically his experience as an emigre in Los Angeles; and also those of many other Russians who came to the city during the twentieth century.
The book is divided into four sections; three contain Boris’s verse, and one some sensitive and moving translations of those earlier emigres. As all of the poems make it clear, the emigre experience was a strange and difficult one; going from a rich titled existence in Imperial Russia to scraping a living in Hollywood cannot have been easy. It’s not only the lives of his fellow exiles which Dralyuk explores, however; he also looks back at the golden days of the City of Angels, when the film industry was in its heyday and the glamorous stars of the silver screen floated about in gloriously luxurious mansions. That world had declined when Boris arrived and the crumbling buildings and faded glory he describes is familiar; my one visit to the USA was a month on the west coast in my teens, and I recall Hollywood being very much as Boris describes here.
Intriguingly, Boris uses traditional forms for his work, including the villanelle (of which I’m very fond). His poems are quite beautiful, and the impact of some of the shorter works is surprisingly powerful; sometimes his verse can no more than four lines (“Old Flame”, for example) and yet the effect is stunning, which just proves just how effective words and poetry can be. The translated verses, from five Russian-LA poets including the composer Vernon Duke, are beautifully evocative and sit well, bookended by Dralyuk’s own work. This is a very rich collection; of Boris’s verses, “Emigre Library” was a particular standout, as was “The Catch: On Translation” and “The Flower Painter” (part of “My Hollywood: A Triptych”); but all are striking and often so moving.
“My Hollywood” is a wonderful debut poetry collection and I really hope we’ll see more of Boris’s verse appearing in print. He captures a Hollywood far from the one portrayed in the mainstream media, hearkening back to earlier times when those escaping from the conflicts in the east could find refuge on the other side of the planet. At a time when our world is once again being torn apart by war, it’s worth remembering how previous generations of refugees made a new life on the west coast of America, taking their creative talents with them. “My Hollywood” is a marvellous tribute to their (and Boris’s) spirit and new homeland. Highly recommended!
May 04, 2022 @ 12:22:31
It sounds lovely! And it just goes to you how much talent there is among skilled translators. I like the variety of topics, too. Oh, and thanks for occasionally talking about poetry. I should read and explore more of it than I do, and I appreciate the nudge!
May 04, 2022 @ 13:58:10
It really is a wonderful collection of poems, Margot, and Boris obviously has many talents! I don’t read enough poetry either, Margot, despite having stacks of it on the TBR – I need to push myself into picking it up too!
May 04, 2022 @ 17:23:39
This does sound like a lovely collection. I appreciate your point about remembering the previous generations of refugees. Many of the experiences must be similar, and certainly the feelings must.
May 04, 2022 @ 20:24:57
Very much so, I think – that feeling of loss and exile runs through many of the poems here, whether Boris’s originals or the translations. A lovely book.
May 04, 2022 @ 20:50:48
This sounds wonderful. I’m a real fan of golden age Hollywood and I find the faded glory of those days so interesting. It sounds like this explores the themes in such a sensitive way.
May 05, 2022 @ 10:37:44
It’s lovely, and pulls in so much, from the location itself, the lives of the emigres and wider topics. A wonderful collection.
May 04, 2022 @ 23:53:45
Dear Karen — your review makes me wish they made Netflix series based on poetry books… This looks like a good candidate to serve for the outline! Anyway, I haven’t had a chance to read yet, but really looking forward to dipping in!
May 05, 2022 @ 10:37:06
You know, it *would* make a wonderful tale! I do hope you enjoy it! 😀
May 05, 2022 @ 01:25:17
Lovely to see Boris’s poetry and a taster of his translations showcased in this beautiful volume! I’m looking forward to experiencing it as a whole after enjoying the bits and pieces that have appeared elsewhere.
Every time I’ve been in LA it’s felt like such a weird place (to begin with all those freeways!), strange and difficult indeed, especially at the time he and his family arrived.
May 05, 2022 @ 10:34:02
It’s a beautifully put together collection – I’d read some of Boris’s work separately too, but the book coheres wonderfully and the translations fit in quite brilliantly – loved it!
As for LA, I’d love to visit again one day – such an interesting yet strange city.
May 05, 2022 @ 03:53:06
Kaggsy, I feel severely inadequate as a poet, because I lack the words to thank you properly! I’m as grateful as any scribbler can be to have the approval of one of the blogosphere’s brightest stars… In my book, this is better than an Academy Award.
May 05, 2022 @ 10:32:34
Aw, thank you Boris! I loved the book – such a wonderful collection of poetry!
May 05, 2022 @ 14:59:34
This is such a great introduction to a poet I had never read and a subject that intrigues me! The whole had once been a grand dame effect is very interesting. I am going to get a copy of this! Thank You again!
May 05, 2022 @ 16:08:58
Thank you! I do hope you enjoy it – I found it beautifully written and so atmospheric!
May 06, 2022 @ 15:23:04
This sounds fascinating. I might just have done my poetry allocation for this year (three books in one year!) but I would have a look at this one. Love the cover, too!
May 06, 2022 @ 15:44:15
It’s a lovely book and I do recommend it if you can squeeze it in – it’s not toooo long! And yes, the cover is beautiful!
May 06, 2022 @ 17:23:37
I had noted this collection when it was first announced, but it slipped off my radar so I’m delighted to read your review and to be reminded of it. Definitely one to purchase.
May 06, 2022 @ 20:33:15
Definitely – it’s a wonderful collection!
Jul 22, 2022 @ 07:01:36