Unlegendary Heroes

In her third collection, Mary O'Donnell explores the commonplace territories that shape our lives. The poems draw in part from her instinctive response to the world around her, but equally from her unshrinking perspective on the social and political realities of her native Ireland. Poems inspired by nature, and in particular those concerning themes of childhood, parenthood, and family, are important reference points on her map as she undertakes an affectionate and clear-eyed imaginative journey to her Southern Ulster past. This poetry acknowledges the ongoing formative moments of O'Donnell's life while celebrating her quest with a sensuousness that will delight new readers and continue to surprise and delight those already familiar with her work.