Book Review: May

May

An epic poem about youth

by Herman Gorter

Pub Date 26 May 2021 | Archive Date 31 Jan 2022

Arimei Books

Poetry

I am reviewing a copy of May through Arimei Books and Netgalley:

In May the magical journey of adolescence is explained against the background of Holland’s flowery dunescapes. Adolescence is explained in strokes wonder-filled impressions a stunningly unspoiled girl. May not only explores the promise of springtime and the intense spiritual life of youth. The cycle of life always moves on, and as May matures and returns to earth, she finds it readying for summer.

May (Mei) was originally published Mei (May) in 1889, this spontaneous and vibrant epic poem was immediately recognized by his peers as a landmark work for Dutch literature. May is inspired in part by John Keats’ Endymion (1818), the poem touches upon a wide range of themes, including the innocence and wonder of childhood, the hubris and disillusionment of adolescence, unattainable divine love and the inevitability of transience.

May is a beautiful story of youth, of springtime and so much more.

I give May, five out of five stars!

Happy Reading!