Chrome Valley: Poems

by Mahogany L. Browne Narrated by Mahogany L. Browne

Overview

"Browne's narration of her work is masterful, capturing a range of emotion through inflection, cadence, and volume. It's an unfettered celebration of Black resilience that will leave listeners satisfied, yet eager to hear more from this gifted poet." - Library Journal, Starred Review

From Lincoln Center's inaugural poet-in-residence comes this unflinching collection that intricately mines the experience of being a Black woman in America.

A highly anticipated volume from critically acclaimed poet Mahogany L. Browne, Chrome Valley is at once a luminous hymn and a battle cry. Spanning the course of her own life as well as embodying centuries of virulent history, this collection pays solemn tribute to the women who came before her. Musically effervescent yet cutting poems capture the peculiar joys and pangs of Black girlhood: “you ain't had freedom / 'til you climb on a bus 62 / & head to the closet mall / for a girl fight”; while others explore the inherent grief of motherhood, rhythmically intoning names like the tolling of a church bell: “Because Lesley McSpadden / Because Mamie Till / Because a Black mother know ain't no song for that empty in ya belly.” Transcendent and grounded, funny and furious, the poems within bring depth to a movement, announcing Mahogany L. Browne as one of the most important poetic voices of our time.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly

★ 01/23/2023

Browne’s moving latest (after I Remember Death by Its Proximity to What I Love) commemorates the struggles of Black women, drawing on episodes from her life and stories from family members. While these poems vividly relay the threat of violence (“the gun answers the door before/ anyone ever knocks”), they also crystallize moments of intimacy. In “Goodnight, Moon,” Browne captures the shared sense of hope and exhaustion of the lover waiting for her beloved to come home: “& the moon wishes someone would wait/ for her to return to the apartment/ & the moon is gracious & giving & who will hold her when she nods herself almost awake/ exhausted & dilapidated across town/ into a too small prewar apartment/ & the moon cannot remember when there was a warm palm to wipe away her tired.” Other poems highlight Browne’s concise lyricism, as in “Cutlass”: “there is a gun/ silver/ rusted/ cutlass 2 door sedan/ grey hoody: you./ there is a gun/ rust/ the color of forever/ your play-brother/ got a lead foot.” These are powerful poems of witness and reckoning. (Feb.)

Book Riot - Connie Pan

"From a palindrome to prose poems, this electric and much-anticipated collection by Browne, a prolific writer, examines Black girlhood and womanhood, desire, friendship, and migration. My mind keeps circling “Stumble Lovely,” a title so beautiful I envision it tattooed obvious and tender places to be carried close always."

Vogue - Emma Specter

"This collection dives deep into the experience of Black girlhood and womanhood in America, with Browne reflecting on everything from her own maternal lineage to the yearning-laden pleasure of young friendship to the true meaning of inherited trauma and the power that it can hold to shape our lives."

BuzzFeed News - Laura Sackton

"Raging and bountiful and humming with irresistible music, this is a powerful new collection from a prolific cross-genre writer."

Nick Ripatrazone

"Generous and expansive—a decidedly full work. Across her poems, Browne deftly creates atmosphere through juxtaposition and pacing."

Product Details

BN ID:	2940176861884
Publisher:	Spotify Audiobooks
Publication date:	02/07/2023
Edition description:	Unabridged

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