The Tender, Wild Things

“Organic lyricism . . . subtle narratives. . . . A wonderful book and a gorgeous journey not to be missed.”—Lee Ann Roripaugh

This rapturous journey through poetry takes the reader through reclaiming a Finnish heritage, seasons of a childless marriage, the decision to adopt a child from China, nurturing the poet’s mother through a final illness, and finding consolation in “the wild, tender things.”

Diane Jarvenpa is a Minnesota native whose grandparents all emigrated from Finland. She has received grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board and, as Diane Jarvi, performs folk and world music in Europe, Australia, and the United States.