Chrome Valley: Poems

Acclaimed poet Browne (I Remember Death by Its Proximity to What I Love) explores the joy, pain, and power of Black womanhood in this exceptional collection. The individual poems are brief and often deeply personal, and themes of faith, family, generational trauma, coming-of-age, and independence figure prominently. Browne’s language is rhythmic, vivid, and evocative, capturing everything from the impertinence and self-confidence of teenage girls to the self-doubt, despair, and anger that often underlies that youthful bravado. Browne’s mother, Redbone, is a recurring figure throughout the collection, and Browne captures the power of her voice and the strength and determination with which she lives her life. Browne’s narration of her work is masterful, capturing a range of emotion through inflection, cadence, and volume. It’s an unfettered celebration of Black resilience that will leave listeners satisfied, yet eager to hear more from this gifted poet.