Marrying America: a Jew in Exile

Wilk is a poet not only of the utmost competence but brilliance. Here is a poetable to give mature voice to the oldest and most enduring American theme: theimmigrant as spiritual pilgrim. The clarity of the pilgrim voice is the admirablecenter of Wilks book--as if a straight-speaking Brooklynite has been hot-wiredto the mysteries at the heart of the American experience. Its a compelling voice,rising at times out of violence yet the tone it takes is often of lyric tenderness--atenderness so rare in modern poetry it cause you to sit up straight.--Larry WoiwodeWilk maps new territory of the heart and the Heartland. Thats why his poetry issuch a marriage with America, when divorce is impossible.--Yevgeny Yevtushenko