She was born to blossoming asters and goldenrod. The war was over, the war was yet to come. When her children found her, she was nothing but an empty skin in the shape of a poem. What happened between is no tale of high drama or intrigue. Itd never make the papers. But its as important as sandstone and shale, trillium and maypop, the smell of hot, hot biscuits in the morning.
"Strong roots, strong heart, strong voiceJennifer Schomburg Kanke has it all, and she shares her poetic gifts generously in this rich and accomplished book about the life and marriage of her beloved Granny. Generous with anecdote and story, formally inventive, and ringing with insight and music,The Swellest Wife Anyone Ever Had will touch and teach readers for generations to come." Annie Finch, Author ofSpells: New and Selected Poems
"JSK has crafted a full life story from coming of age to widowhood with care thatonly comes from a deep sense of pride in people and place. The collection presents an Appalachian domestic life made epic, made universal, with love and language. It is funny. It is touching. At times, it is infuriating, as only family can be." Amanda Page, editor, Lost Portsmouth and co-director, Peerless City
Jennifer Schomburg Kanke has written an ode to what often goes unnoticed, and to vanishing: ways of life, land, people. She implores, Let me understand the creeks and hills though concrete raised me. Enid, the swellest wife of the title and the authors grandmother, faced her life with spirit and determination. This book is a gift, like the basket woven of kudzu vines that Enid made to hold apples. When Enid is gone, whats left is an empty skin in the shape of a poemin this case, these lovely poems that will resonate long after youve closed the book. Wendy McVicker, author of Alone in the Burning
