The Book of Repulsive Women

The Book of Repulsive Women is a collection of poems and illustrations published by Djuna Barnes in 1915. This slim volume contains eight poems and five line drawings depicting women in New York City. The poems observe and characterize women who exist on society's margins, including cabaret performers, mothers, and those deemed "fallen" or transgressive. Barnes uses stark imagery and an unsentimental perspective to portray her subjects. The accompanying illustrations match the poems' raw intensity through Barnes' distinctive art style and bold lines. The combination of verse and visuals creates a unified work that examines female identity in early 20th century urban life. The collection challenges Victorian-era ideals of femininity while exploring themes of sexuality, motherhood, and social expectations. Through its frank portrayals, the book raises questions about who determines female worth and what makes a woman "repulsive" in society's eyes.

Readers note this early poetry collection demonstrates Barnes' raw talent but remains less polished than her later work. Several reviews highlight the dark, grotesque imagery and its exploration of female bodies and sexuality in 1915 New York City. Readers appreciated: - Bold handling of taboo subjects for its era - Haunting illustrations by Barnes herself - Compact length that can be read in one sitting Common criticisms: - Poems feel unrefined and experimental - Imagery sometimes crosses into shock value - Limited thematic depth compared to her novels Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (246 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (12 ratings) One Goodreads reviewer called it "a fascinating glimpse into Barnes' early development as a writer." Another noted it's "more historically interesting than literarily satisfying." Multiple readers recommended starting with Barnes' later works before approaching this collection.

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Cabaret for Dead Souls by Ai These dramatic monologues give voice to society's marginalized figures through unflinching portrayals of sexuality and violence.

The Collected Poems of H.D. by Hilda Doolittle H.D.'s modernist verses explore female desire and power through mythological figures and innovative language.

The Horse Is Red by Mina Loy Loy's experimental poetry challenges conventional femininity through avant-garde techniques and provocative themes.

Ariel by Sylvia Plath This collection transforms personal trauma and female rage into searing poetic imagery that defies social expectations.

🌟 Published in 1915, this was Djuna Barnes' first book - a collection of eight poems and five drawings that caused controversy for its raw depictions of women living on society's margins. 🎨 Barnes created both the text and illustrations herself, showcasing her dual talents as a writer and visual artist. The stark black-and-white drawings were influenced by the Art Nouveau movement. 📖 The book was published as part of Bruno's Chap Books series, which specialized in avant-garde poetry, and cost just 15 cents when first released. 🖋️ Barnes later tried to suppress this early work, considering it inferior to her later writings. She referred to it as her "maiden effort" and refused to allow it to be republished during her lifetime. 🌆 The poems were inspired by Barnes' observations of women in New York City's Greenwich Village and Lower East Side, where she lived and worked as a journalist in the early 1900s.