Parallel Press releases Feraca poetry collection

Madison-area poet, essayist and public radio host Jean Feraca examines the complexities of relationships, and the illness and death of her mother in a recently published collection of poetry, “Rendered into Paradise.”

The collection, published by the University of Wisconsin–Madison Libraries Parallel Press, is Feraca’s first in 10 years. The poems were inspired primarily by her family and her experiences throughout her mother’s long illness and death. Feraca says this collection is a personal triumph and is pleased that the reader can connect with the imagery and feelings she emotes.

The enormity of Feraca’s experiences are reflected in “Panarama in the Anza-Borrego Desert” – “This is the only thing/as big as my mother’s death.” Her poetry intuitively reflects the sense of helplessness and anguish that one feels watching a loved one slip away. Yet, in the last poem, “Rendered into Paradise,” the reader sees that she has come to understand that happiness still abounds, it “hides right out in the open. . .” and “you have to really want it.”

Jean Feraca is Wisconsin Public Radio’s host and co-producer of the nationally recognized call-in news and cultural affairs program, “Conversations with Jean Feraca.” Her commentaries are also heard on Wisconsin Public Radio’s international syndicate, “To the Best of Our Knowledge.”

Feraca worked as a free-lance reporter for National Public Radio before joining Wisconsin Public Radio in l983. She published her first book of poetry, “South From Rome: Il Mezzogiorno,” in 1975 and received The Nation’s l975 Discovery Award, which named her “one of the most promising poets of her generation.” In 1992, Feraca published her second poetry book, “Crossing the Great Divide,” which was nominated for a Pushcart Prize. Her writings have been anthologized in “The Dream Book,” which won the American Book Award in l986. She is currently working on a book about her experiences as a radio talk-show host.

Each Parallel Press chapbook is $10; annual subscriptions for six at $50. Orders may be sent to: The Parallel Press, 372 Memorial Library, 728 State St., Madison, WI 53706.