Chicago Tribune

Her mother's murder made her a poet: Pulitzer Prize winner Natasha Trethewey's career is tinged with tragedy

Natasha Trethewey should be celebrating; her new book, "Monument: Poems New and Selected," was longlisted for a prestigious National Book Award. But during an interview at an Evanston restaurant with sparkling glassware and floor-to-ceiling windows, Trethewey repeatedly wiped away tears.

Her new book tackles many topics, but the main focus is the murder of Trethewey's mother when the poet was 19, a loss that haunts Trethewey to this day.

"I think of myself as someone who has lived in a state of bereavement my whole adult life," Trethewey said. "And

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from Chicago Tribune

Chicago Tribune10 min readAmerican Government
On Election Day, Progressive Candidates And Causes Are At The Center Of Illinois' Democratic Primary Ballot
CHICAGO — With the presidential nominations of Democratic incumbent Joe Biden and Republican challenger Donald Trump already assured, the focus of Tuesday’s primary election in Illinois moves to down-ballot contests that could represent a defining mo
Chicago Tribune4 min read
Editorial: First-time Voters Must Be Left Alone To Make Their Choice. Even By Their Teachers
When it sees today’s high school seniors, the union representing Chicago Public Schools teachers doesn’t just see young minds needing nurturing; it sees voters for its pet causes. The Chicago Teachers Union, an ardent supporter of both Mayor Brandon
Chicago Tribune4 min read
‘Nolly’ Review: On Masterpiece, Helena Bonham Carter Plays A Soap Star Who’s Been Sacked
A longtime British soap star until she was unceremoniously sacked in 1981, Noele “Nolly” Gordon was the kind of larger-than-life figure who is common — essential, even — to show business. A bit ridiculous, a bit imperious, but also so much fun. The f

Related Books & Audiobooks