The Poet’s Bookshelf: A Window into the Mind of Rebecca Perry

Rebecca Perry’s novel May We Feed the King has made waves in literary circles for its lyrical prose and nuanced exploration of human relationships. As a poet herself, Perry’s connection to language is palpable on every page. But what lies beneath her writing? What books have shaped her as an artist, and how do they reflect her own experiences and passions?

Perry’s love affair with literature began at a young age with Spike Milligan’s whimsical On the Ning Nang Nong. However, it was Federico García Lorca’s Collected Plays that truly ignited her flame as a teenager. Lorca’s ability to capture the essence of human emotion in his writing resonated deeply with Perry, particularly in lines like ”… and the man who rushes out with his / spirit broken will meet on the street corner / the unbelievable alligator quiet beneath / the tender protest of the stars.” This encounter had a profound impact on Perry’s relationship with language, setting her on a path to explore the depths of human experience through literature.

Perry cites Frank O’Hara as another pivotal figure in her development as a poet. His work provided a welcome respite from the seriousness that often pervades literary circles, infusing poetry with a sense of playfulness and joy that demonstrates the power of language to transcend even the most mundane experiences.

Perry’s influences extend far beyond Lorca and O’Hara. Her own writing in May We Feed the King is a meditation on the complexities of human relationships – between lovers, friends, and even oneself. Through her characters, Perry probes the very essence of what it means to be alive, exploring themes both personal and universal.

Perry’s affinity for certain writers extends beyond mere admiration; she has a remarkable ability to distill the essence of their work into her own writing. For example, her reverence for Anne Carson’s Glass and God is evident in her description of the book as “basically perfect.” This admiration speaks to Perry’s deep understanding of the craft of writing.

However, Perry also acknowledges the complexity of literary relationships – how art can both transcend its creator and be forever tied to them. Her reticence about JK Rowling’s Harry Potter series, which she sees as an example of art that cannot be separated from artist, is telling. It highlights her own awareness of the inherent connections between writer, reader, and text.

Perry continues to hone her craft, drawing inspiration from writers like Augustine Cerf and Jamaica Kincaid, each selected for its unique contribution to the literary landscape. These texts not only reflect Perry’s intellectual curiosity but also underscore her commitment to pushing the boundaries of language.

Ultimately, Rebecca Perry’s relationship with literature is one of reciprocity – a dynamic exchange between writer, reader, and text that yields something greater than the sum of its parts. Her writing serves as a testament to this symbiotic bond, offering readers a window into the poet’s own mind and heart. As she continues to explore the complexities of human experience through her work, Perry invites us to reflect on our own relationships with literature – how it shapes us, inspires us, and ultimately defines us.

Rebecca Perry’s connection to literature is not merely a matter of influence; it is a living, breathing entity that can be felt long after the final page has been turned. Its effects ripple out into our lives like waves on a still pond, shaping us in ways both subtle and profound.