Although a lot of nuance is lost in translation, “Odetta in Babylon and the Canada Express” is a headlong rush through the colour and chaos of Argentinian life.
Gloriously unshackled in its kinetic and disconnected depiction of life on the edge, it is a lyrical and rhythmic love letter to life.

Thank you, NetGalley for a chance to read and review this!

Something like Odetta in Babylon, written in a different language in Argentina was never something that should have been accessible to me; but somehow, despite this being a translation I found it really very lovely.

This lyric poem is more a collection of images than one cohesive piece. Unfortunately, I had a hard time connecting with it for this reason. The writing was lovely but just didn't line up with my personal preferences.

Now I am not an academic. I have not been steeped in literature with a full appreciation of the arts.

Some might think serving this poetic work up to me was like playing a classical music score to a rubber plant.

But I now butt in.

Poetry such as Gregorio Kohon’s classic works have a place, a time in history and reflect that era like a captured photograph. “Odetta” comes out of an artistic movement in Argentina, was written in a foreign language to me and represents a culture, with references unknown to me.
For me to even begin to come under its influence I require an introduction and a thorough sympathetic translation.
Thankfully they are here with the original author’s input so without ‘poetic licence’ perhaps.

In truth I might need to learn the author’s native tongue to engage fully with his work but I am indebted to the efforts undertaken to bring this work into English where it can touch my heart and psyche.
In honesty the piece is beyond my comprehension but I was moved by its phrases, rhythm and language.
I imagine I would need to return to this short poetic work to appreciate it more deeply and grasp new insight and take on board deeper emotional feelings.

Yet I read it.
I have survived without corruption nor have I acquired delusions of grandeur. I have enjoyed it and some of the words have resonated with me and spoken directly to my very core.

This is what exposure to the arts or the classics can do.
Listening to Handel’s Messiah, regarding a Van Gogh or reflecting on a Wordsworth poem. These glimpses and snippets take us out of ourselves and the mundane.
That is why I wanted the chance to read this poetic masterpiece. Not to better myself or think I’m clever but to embrace something new. To delight in the craft and talent of humankind.

I would urge you if you get a chance to dabble, dwell and linger on such an opportunity. Odetta in Babylon …..is a fine work to dip a toe.