New Books Network Hilary Holladay, "The Power of Adrienne Rich: A Biography" (Princeton UP, 2025)
Oct 17, 2025
Hilary Holladay, a journalist and poetry scholar, delves into the life of Adrienne Rich, an iconic American writer and activist. They explore Rich's evolution from a traditional poet to a groundbreaking lesbian-feminist voice. Holladay reveals Rich's struggle with her Jewish heritage and her transformation in New York's vibrant cultural scene. Key moments include her defiant National Book Award speech and the impact of her prose, particularly 'Of Woman Born.' They also discuss Rich's relationship dynamics and her lasting legacy, making a compelling case for her influence on contemporary feminism.
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Prodigy Raised Under Pressure
- Adrienne Rich's father groomed her from childhood to be a writer and a prodigy in music and poetry.
- That pressure produced both exceptional skill and lifelong emotional strain for Rich.
Hidden Heritage Became Identity
- Rich's Jewish background was largely suppressed in her household but became a source of meaning later.
- Embracing Jewish history and community helped shape her identity as a feminist and writer.
Radcliffe Stardom And Ambivalence
- At Radcliffe Adrienne won the Yale Younger Poets prize as an undergraduate and corresponded with W. H. Auden.
- She became a campus celebrity but felt ambivalence about that attention.
