Houstiliad

In this savage yet beautiful book length poem Michael Lieberman captures the rage of men in modern society. He reimagines the characters of Homers Iliad, recasts them, and sets them in conflict in todays Houston. Unflinching is its descriptions of violence, The Houstiliad implicitly contrasts the rage of Homers Achilles which was specific and focused with the free-floating rage of contemporary men. Though unsparing in its descriptions, Liebermans portrait is leavened by lovely lyric passages, reflection, and humor. For those who care about the complicated role of men in modern society this book is revelatory without promising an easy path to redemption or honor. Achilles wrath is where our tale begins then spools out venom and mens mortal sins. Its tempered true yet riffs on Homers style, suffused with guile, grit, and mordant wile. * * * Men savage men in violent travails though in the end its humor that prevails.