A Loaded Gun: Emily Dickinson for the 21st Century

With his thought-provoking, eloquent style Charyn explores the complex woman often referred to as the Belle of Amherst. At times shy, yet, sometimes bold, this often misunderstood poet has fascinated readers for generations.As he did with his novel, The Secret Life of Emily Dickinson, he entices the reader to reconsider what they know about Dickinson. Was she merely that reclusive spinster trapped in her "Pearl Jail" at the Homestead or was she a gifted writer scribbling fragments on brown wrapping paper and stray envelopes that spoke of a passionate woman who chartered her own destiny and whose words inspired works of art?The depth of Charyn's research is clear from the start. He's studied previous biographies, explored Dickinson's letters and poems, and interviewed experts to bring what he sees as the real Emily Dickinson to life for modern readers. More than a woman who was trapped by her father in the family's home, more than someone's odd aunt or sister, more than the cockeyed girl in a dark dress we know from the daguerreotype, Dickinson was a powerful woman who seduced people with her words.It will be interesting to dig out my Emily Dickinson collection after reading A Loaded Gun to see if my own perceptions of her work have changed.Ultimately, I don't think we will ever learn more about Dickinson than she wished to share with us, but Charyn's in depth look at her life has definitely brought me closer to this "unknowable genius."I received a free copy of this book from the author. This review contains my honest opinion, which I have not been compensated for in any way.

I found this book on Emily Dickinson a fascinating read. I was particularly interested in the connection between Emily and Joseph Cornell. I have long been an admirer of his work as well.This prompted me to count all the poems I have written over the years and so far I have written 1280 poems. I've got a way to go to catch up to 1800 written by Emily Dickinson.I loved the play of words in this book and thought it was eloquently done. I kept picturing Emily writing her poems on envelopes, recipe cards and probably anything she could rummage for useful scrap material.

Jerome Charyn's study has many strengths. It is not deserving of the hype, nor the rather self-congratulating subtitle. I enjoyed many of his insights--especially into the work of other devotees of Dickinson.

Well-written and compelling, this book turns the notion of Miss Emily being a shy waif on its head. There's been some push back to Charyn's premise about her being bi-sexual. Let her poems help you decide that point. In the meantime, there's much more to this book than that item and it's a page-turner from a respected author. Miss Emily knew her own genius, dark side, and traits were not a fit for her world at the time and place. She was deliberately cryptic and a puzzle master. She left clues for a treasure hunt that will outlive all of us.

If you had a 6 star level of admiration, I will give him 6.I finished the book two nights ago and I am still floating in a sea of aesthetics. The essence of Emily, embedded in Charyn's essence, is powerful.He himself a poet, he himself a writer who could see beyond reality and who really understood Emily's genius as a poet and her power as a woman, capable of channeling in her work a passion for life. Jerome Charyn let us know the hidden personality behind the archetype.Jerome Charyn took Emily to a very special place of adoration. I have never read such a book where light and shadows dance together in suchtour de force. I hope this book will be recognized as it deserves. I highly recommend it.

Fascinating and well documented. I have always enjoyed Dickenson's poetry but the background given in this book has inspired me to take a second look at her poetry and I now find it more dynamic than ever.

Very interesting!

Sensational, purplish journalese, rife with unsubstantiated, uninteresting speculations. Stay away from this book.