Selling Manhattan

Selling Manhattan is Carol Ann Duffy's second poetry collection, published in 1987. The book contains 40 dramatic monologues and lyrics that move between New York City and Britain. The poems take on different voices and perspectives, from historical figures to contemporary characters. Duffy explores themes of commerce, power, and cultural exchange through scenes of city life and personal relationships. The collection includes the famous titular poem about the Dutch purchase of Manhattan from Native Americans in 1626. Other pieces focus on love, loss, gender dynamics, and the intersections of public and private life. This work marked Duffy's emergence as a major voice in British poetry, demonstrating her ability to inhabit diverse personas while examining questions of value, ownership, and human connection. The collection builds on themes that would become central to her later work.

Readers value Duffy's vivid imagery and social commentary in this poetry collection, noting her ability to blend historical perspectives with modern sensibilities. The poems about colonialism and cultural identity resonate with many reviewers. Readers appreciate: - Raw emotional power in poems like "Words, Wide Night" - Accessibility of language while maintaining depth - Commentary on power dynamics and ownership - Personal narratives woven with political themes Common criticisms: - Some poems feel disconnected from the collection's themes - A few readers find certain metaphors heavy-handed - Occasional difficulty connecting with more abstract pieces Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (526 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (38 ratings) "Her attention to detail makes even the smallest moments significant," notes one Goodreads reviewer. Another on Amazon writes, "The titular poem hits hard but some others feel like filler." The book maintains consistent ratings across review platforms, with most readers giving 4+ stars despite critique of individual poems.

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The World's Wife by Carol Ann Duffy The collection reimagines historical and mythological narratives from female perspectives, giving voice to the wives and partners of famous men.

Birthday Letters by Ted Hughes These poems chronicle Hughes' relationship with Sylvia Plath through intimate revelations and shared memories.

View with a Grain of Sand by Wisława Szymborska The collection examines historical events and human connections through both personal and political perspectives.

Native Guard by Natasha Trethewey The poems interweave personal history with the broader narrative of race and memory in American South.

🌆 "Selling Manhattan" was published in 1987 and draws its title from the legendary $24 sale of Manhattan Island by Native Americans to Dutch settlers in 1626. 📝 Carol Ann Duffy became the first woman, first Scot, and first openly LGBTQ+ person to hold the position of Britain's Poet Laureate (2009-2019). 🗽 The collection explores themes of power, colonialism, and cultural displacement through a mix of dramatic monologues and personal lyrics. 💫 Many poems in the collection give voice to historical figures and marginalized people, including Native Americans, immigrants, and working-class individuals. 🎭 The book's theatrical elements reflect Duffy's early career experiences writing for theater companies in Liverpool and London.