Book Review: Brautigan’s Blue Moon
Reviewed by Brian Foster.
Brautigan’s Blue Moon, by Jack Phillips Lowe, is a collection of modern poetry that seeks to confront its readers with the reality of the current era, and to do so in a way that criticizes and refutes the many methods of escapism used to deny and evade that reality. Many of the poems contained within its pages follow a similar structure: a character will attempt to indulge in a form of escapism they enjoy, such as music, literature, or alcohol. However, rather than giving solace or enjoyment, these indulgences either bring about misfortune, or else reveal a dark truth about their true nature, or the true nature of the one seeking them out.
The titular poem follows an unnamed protagonist having an unexpected encounter with their favorite author, Richard Brautigan. While this is initially a joyous and wonderful experience, Brautigan refuses to be drawn in by the protagonist’s kind words. Without giving away the ending, it does not take Brautigan very long to reveal that the protagonist’s appreciation of Brautigan’s work is ultimately shallow and vapid. Unlike most of the other works in the collection, this one does end on a somewhat hopeful note, implying that self-improvement and true authenticity are possible, and it is within our power to achieve them.
Cynical reexaminations of seemingly harmless enjoyments is the prevailing theme of the Brautigan’s Blue Moon, with the works all sticking closely to it, and having similar structure as well. This is in no way a drawback, and one expects unifying ideas in an anthology. However, when each and every poem features a dark turn in the final third, it ceases to elicit surprise, and is much less effective at prompting reconsideration of what came before. This is somewhat offset by the wry humor and bone-dry wit that pervades each and every word, and makes Brautigan’s Blue Moon an engaging and enjoyable read from start to finish. The cleverness of the anthology’s prose combined with the sharpness of its insight makes this a pleasant and gratifying book of poetry, even for people who don’t generally feel that poetry is the art form for them.
Overall, Brautigan’s Blue Moon is worth experiencing for its unique perspective and provocative takedown of the very notion of someone using the power of art, and of pleasure more broadly, to distract from the circumstances of the world today, and the reality of who they truly are. It aims to inspire its readers to reflect on themselves, and begin seeking wisdom instead of distractions. It demands critical thinking and self-reflection take the place of vapid self-aggrandizement and mindless consumption, and rewards the latter traits with insights that will continue to linger and enlighten long after the final page has been turned.
