This was an expertly researched and lovingly told biography of a fascinating literary figure. The hardships that Elizabeth Bishop faced began even before her birth, as her parents' issues cast a long shadow into her life. Indeed, she faced far more than her fair share of troubles, yet maintained a a wit and playfulness even during the darkest of times. The book is also a fascinating exploration of the poetic mind, tracing how Bishop transformed real-life events into poems, often changing details and revisiting key scenes over and over even as decades passed.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the digital ARC!