For some reason I lost access to this title in the NetGalley app, but I saw that it is open in NetGalley reader. I took that chance to read this collection of poetry.

It is not the most relatable to me. I tend to enjoy slightly convoluted poetry that carves a schism between your heart & mind. Forces you to intellectualize feelings you don’t want to touch.

Though I am the daughter of immigrants, White European culture is quite different from Black Jamaican culture. So in that, I wasn’t as able to relate as I initially anticipated.

My favorite poem, and the closest to my favorite structure of poetry, is Saint Hyacinth Basilica.

the writing in this book is beautiful while at the same time the writer is not afraid of looking and discussing difficult experiences in a language that elevates the pain being discussed. It invites the reader to experience life from another perspective and perhaps find affirmation in the similarities of life for all of us

This collection holds some real gems, particularly the poems that reflect on familial history, complex relationships with faith, and those that use flowers as symbolism. The prose is evocative and deeply emotive—I often found myself fully engaged and was even compelled to do side research on certain places, Polish words, or religious experiences mentioned throughout.

One aspect that stood out was the way themes were interwoven rather than clearly divided into sections. While this created an organic and immersive experience, it also made the structure feel somewhat scattered. A more intentional arrangement — placing certain poems closer together or spacing them apart — could have enhanced the impact of the collection.

The biggest drawback for me was the final stretch of the book. The last 20 or so pages consist of a single poem, which, while containing some beautiful moments, was difficult to follow. Its length and placement — appearing as the final poem of a section rather than in a distinct space of its own — made it feel drawn out and somewhat disconnected from the rest of the collection. This ties back to my concerns about organization; both structurally and stylistically, this poem stood apart in a way that didn’t quite fit with the rest of the work.

Despite these issues, the collection as a whole was a worthwhile read, leaving a lasting impression through its rich imagery and emotional depth. I look forward to reading from this poet again in the future!

A pointed look at immigration and belonging from the daughter of Polish immigrants. Humienik weaves stories and memories through the collection with ease. It's touching and will leave readers feeling satisfied and interested. "The Pipe Organ" especially stood out to me as it reminded me of my Polish friend who shares a passion for music of the church and his heritage.

My favorite poems are: "Failed Essay on Repressed Sexuality", "On Self-Deceit", "On Devotion", and "The Pipe Organ."

"I play with feeling, but i can never remember the ending"

I literally said wow outloud after only a few pages into this read. Some lines were an instant gut punch in the best way. The ease of connection between its themes flowed from one poem to the next.

Thank you Tin House and NetGalley for the ARC!

4/5 ⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley, Tin House, and Patrycja Humienik for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review. I usually don’t have a hard time reviewing poetry books. I know that’s a thing for some people because it’s such a personal thing—whether or not you connect with the subject matter. For me, I found the poetry in this book really enjoyable and related to in even though I’m not a child of immigrants.

The subject matter is very human. There’s a bit of something for everyone here with topics ranging from dating to generational trauma. Everything is well written with the emotion expressed in beautiful ways. Some lines even made me smile.

My only issue with it was the formatting. It made the reading experience just…less enjoyable. The fact that all of the poems kind of run together ruined that for me. I would have much preferred each poem starting on its own page and having the title at the top of the page. I was reading an ARC and it might not be finished, so that’s something to keep in mind!

This volume of poetry drips with natural imagery from the more-than-human world alongside the all-too-human preoccupation with God and beauty and desire and belonging.

A gorgeous, haunting collection of poems exploring belonging, desire, and borders from the daughter of Polish immigrants. All of these poems feel like bodies of water, winter, cold wind, salt – the kind of empty desolate natural beauty that feels utterly Polish. Humienik wields her vocabulary and imagery so sharply in this collection - it's a joy to read.

<i> Hundreds of years, and not a day passes that I'm not haunted. Eternity. I swear it is her walking now through fog, wind, rain to reach me. I recognize that coruscating gaze. She stops to see the milk the waves make. Once, we watched them crash to dissolution on this very cliff. Their metallic lurch and charge summoning the swoop of gulls. Lifting sand from the ocean floor to its longed-for gasp. </i>

We Contain Landscapes by Patrycja Humienik ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Tin House
Pub Date: 3-18-25

Thank you @netgalley and @tin_house for this eARC.

"I wish for kinder eyes, to see less of everything. Sometimes I go walking without my glasses. Maybe next time I’ll spin in the grass, arms wide open. I hope I’m laughing when I fall. I want to send that laughter to you."

This is the first collection of poetry I've read. I found that it calmed my mind, while also making me think.

There was not one poem, but many lines of separate poems, that struck me. I found myself highlighting and rereading these lines. I expect I may think of each differently when I read again in the future - depending on the day, depending on my circumstances.

From the poet's introduction to the reader:

"May we not turn away from our griefs, hauntings, and deepest desires. May we widen the boundaries of our love, of what we imagine for our lives and for future generations, of we."

#wecontainlandscapes #patrycjahumienik #tinhouse #netgalley

We contain landscapes by patrycja humienik is a heart melting collection of poems full of soul. I’m sure it will stick with me for a long time.

O tenderness, I am walking toward you.
Why are you pulling away?

What a beautiful book of poetry. A few favorites include: On Self Defeat, Saint Hyacinth Basilica, The Pipe Organ, and Ecotones.

An absolutely beautiful debut work and collection of poems. I was initially drawn in by the cover alone, but am so, so happy I decided to take a chance in requesting an eARC! I devoured this all in one sitting and ended up highlighting/bookmarking so many pieces and passages. Thank you again to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me this opportunity - I definitely plan on purchasing a physical copy of this book come pub day for my home library!