As a whole, the interview (2018) gives readers an intimate look at the range of sublime experiences in Derricotte’s work and a historical recollection of other female poets who have shaped and supported her vision of poetry when she was still a young artist. Derricotte also discusses the current metaphor that is driving her new work and highlights how writers can find surrogate families among their readers when their biological families fail them.
Managing Editor, Aileen Keenan, of the African American Review, writes: “It’s really a brilliant interview, one of the best we’ve published. I think our readers will enjoy it quite a bit.”
Poet Toi Derricotte writes: “You did a wonderful job connecting important, important concepts. You helped me put connections in place between my work, my mind and heart, and my spirit. You’ve helped to fit me together. Thank you. So glad we worked together.”