James's Reviews > The Far Field

This is the only Roethke that I've read. I am more familiar with his students. I found it pleasant, often engaging. Nothing wrested my soul with astonishment. However, I thought that the last section was vastly superior to the rest of the book. I know little about Roethke, but in this section he gives the impression that he knows he is dying and these poems are more poignant. Certainly worth a read, especially since most view this book much more favorably than I.