Experience the temptation, pleasure, punishment, and redemption of Christina Rossetti's brilliant poetic masterpiece in this classic keepsake editi...
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reviews
Aug 25, 2011
Keely
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The intellectual critic is able to remove himself from this poem's pomophilic lesbianism and focus on an analysis of the many literary elements present. The lesser man simply counts himself lucky to find two such beautiful events in utopic cohabitation.
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Jun 03, 2010
Stasha
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I fell in love with the Pre-Raphaelites in college. Christina Rossetti was an enigma. Praised for her Christian virtue and religious writings, Goblin Market broke from her tradition. Seen as vaguely pornographic and shockingly aberrant from the "women always suffer" stories of Adam and Eve, Pandora and other curious women, Lizzie and Laura survive to achieve the Victorian ideal of children of their own.
It shocked the time that Lizzie stood her ground against men and won, More...
It shocked the time that Lizzie stood her ground against men and won, More...
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(2 people liked it)
Mar 06, 2010
Jon
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I hadn't read this poem in at least 10 years, but when I woke up at 3am last night and couldn't get back to sleep, I took it off the shelf. What a strange poem--so simple and yet so elusive. You pretty much get what she's driving at, but whenever you try to nail it down, the nails turn to water. Or in this case maybe the juice of luscious pomegranates. The perceptive afterword in this edition by Joyce Carol Oates pretty much summarizes all the poem's ambiguities, and its limitations which are so
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(1 person liked it)
Oct 13, 2011
Leticia
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This is an amazing piece of Victorian literature that has to do with many things. It touches on the religious, feminist, and queer lenses. I am sure if you love poems about good and evil and addiction this is a fabulous read. While I read it it just reminded me of so many people in my own life that are afflicted or have been afflicted with addictions and struggling with the powers of good and evil. I also love the fact that there is a heroine in this story that is willing to go back to confront
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Nov 02, 2011
Izzy
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Just such an awesome poem. It was a favourite of my old English teacher and I was so glad I read it. It reads like a musical story and is so rich in detail. It's heavily influenced a lot of the faery based fiction books of today. It's one of them catchy poems that I find myself randomly quoting to myself from time to time--despite being so long.
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May 29, 2011
Jackie
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It feels wrong to say that this was fun to read, but it was. The subject matter is told in almost (sometimes) playful rhyme, but which also switches to cadences that seem more somber. Like the very nature of seduction, there is still so much mystery within the lines, that one can discover and enjoy this work time and again.
Sep 05, 2011
Alex
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I do get around to almost every book recommended to me. It might take me a year, but I will get there. So, thanks El! This poem was a ton of fun! I especially liked the part where the nubile young woman sucks nectar off her sister's neck. I was all, "Aw yeah! High five!" But I was alone, so I had to high five myself. It's less depressing than it sounds. No it's not.
It's a weird, wicked poem. The meter and rhyme scheme are schizophrenic; I tried to track it for a while, but More...
It's a weird, wicked poem. The meter and rhyme scheme are schizophrenic; I tried to track it for a while, but More...
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(1 person liked it)
Apr 14, 2011
Jo
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So I don't like poetry, but I needed a poem to write a paper about so I picked up Goblin Market. I absolutely loved it (not enough to make me say I love poetry)! I especially enjoyed Joyce Carol Oates's comments at the end. Such an intricate and thought provoking read.
Jul 22, 2011
Lani
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What a fun poem to read! I really enjoyed the dichotomy between the more somber verses and the one's with an upbeat/fun cadence.
The sexuality was a bit unexpected though, and I hate the moral of the "fallen woman" but I still enjoyed the poem overall.
The sexuality was a bit unexpected though, and I hate the moral of the "fallen woman" but I still enjoyed the poem overall.
Jul 16, 2009
Hannah
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Hard not to say that you like the book that your engagement ring was given to you in... Goblin Market's language is absolutely delicious, so very fun to read aloud and a great fairytale with a somewhat perplexing, interesting end.
Feb 04, 2011
Noramk2
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One of my favorite poems of all time, and I am not a huge poetry buff. The sing-song quality of this poem vs. the evil nature of the subject plus all the underlying feminist goodies all combine into one fun and fantastic read.
Jul 15, 2011
Audrey
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Just wanna say, I was among the crowd that read this under the "sisterhood metaphor" assumption instead of reading it as though the girls were literal sisters. And I absolutely loved it.
Sep 26, 2010
Goblin Market, The Prince's Progress, and Other Poems slurped up from...
Looks right up my market!
Looks right up my market!
Apr 04, 2011
wow! Those Victorian's know how to play with double meaning. At first I thought it was just me and my mind was far to dirty for my own good. After class and a bit of discussion I came to the conclusion that yes my mind is dirty, but no more so than it is meant to be. Very good read!
Oct 12, 2011
Caitlin
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the only known cure for goblin sex madness is making out with your sister...duly noted
Jan 03, 2011
BookRambler
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A lovely edition of Goblin Market - visually and textually stunning.
Apr 04, 2011
Marian
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This is a lyric fairy tale, but for adults. I don't generally read poetry. I accidently stumbled across this poem when one of my children picked it out of the library--it was in the picture book section. My child lost interest quickly as I read it aloud. I read it over and over then tracked down and purchased the full version. I love the story line; I love the sounds of the words. It's my goal to write a play script for this poem; even though I have read one script adaptation, I plan on doing on
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Apr 04, 2011
Redfox5
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Nice little collection of poems. I can see why they named the book after Goblin Market as it was the best poem in the book. Also really enjoyed song. My least fave was Monna innominata, it went on for ages, I didn't find it interesting and all the quotes she used in it were not in English so I didn't understand them.
Oct 17, 2007
John
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This is a fascinating long poem that was considered children's verse for many years, until someone noticed the disturbing sexual, religious, and spiritual imagery. I first encountered the book in college and happened upon it while moving books.
Apr 04, 2011
Trisha
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Probably my favorite poet,( though I'm rather fond of Byron too)Any goth worth her salt should be familiar with Christina Rosetti, she's so dark and melancholy and yet there's something very innocent and even hopeful in her verses- it's beyond beautiful.
Apr 04, 2011
Grant&Mimi's
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yesh, it is a cautionary and it is metaphorical and I am divided usually on such because of a rich history of abuse, but this remains my favorite work to hear aloud. The richness of the language rolling off the tongue mesmerizes me.
Sep 18, 2011
Ashley
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This is an interesting story that is so much more than a children's story! Goes back to the old 'fairy' tales that told more than just princesses and knights! Take your time and find out what's behind the Goblins and Ladys.
Apr 04, 2011
David
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An outstanding poem of the Victorian age that makes for a great morality play. The lurid sexual overtones and fantastic realm of the forest are delightful. Excellent little book.
Apr 04, 2011
Kaye
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This 19th century poem is rich in imagery, and deeply sensual. While "fruit" seems to be what is being discussed, I am sure that many an English class debated what was really at hand.
Nov 03, 2007
Dana
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"Goblin Market" is one of those poems that I want to read over and over again. Rossetti is so talented and this poem is her at her best.
